Spring 2021 Meredith Magazine by Meredith College

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NEWS Thanks to the support of generous donors, improvement projects are underway on Meredith’s campus. These updates include the renovation of the Meredith Lake, which has been funded through gifts from many alumnae, an update to Jones Chapel that will add a new patio, and a refurbishment of the nutrition lab in Martin Hall. Read about how donors have made these opportunities possible on pg. 34.

Rendered by Jaison VanHorn (JT’s Landscaping)

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Meredith Takes Second Place in Regional Ethics Bowl, Qualifies for Nationals By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

n their first time competing in the APPE Mid Atlantic Regional Ethics Bowl, Meredith College won second place, qualifying them to compete at the national level. Hosted by the University of North Georgia, the event was a two-day, multi-institutional collegiate competition held in partnership with the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE). Teams prepared arguments for 15 regional cases ranging in topics from affirmative action to COVID-19 resuscitation procedures. A total of 18 teams from 14 campuses across the region participated in the competition, which included four rounds, a semi-final round, and a final round – all held via Zoom. Given how much this sort of competition relies on non-verbal cues, the team’s ability to overcome the challenge of debating via videoconferencing was impressive. “Since we’ve only done in-person in the past, we’re used to being able to huddle and discuss during the competition,” said Elena Blackwelder, ’23. “So we had to adjust the way we work as a team.” Meredith’s team coordinator and Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Steven Benko said that part of what makes Ethics Bowl special is the camaraderie that the students have and the trust they have to place in one another. “Trust to do the research, trust to be paying attention, and trust that they are going to say their part of the argument correctly,” he said. “When we’re together in person, it’s easier to hold each other accountable – but this team found a way to make that work even when they were remote.” Not only is Benko proud of the team’s success in the virtual format, he’s also proud of their ambition, teamwork, and their dedication to representing the College well. “They are never satisfied with merely showing up,” said Benko. “They want to be

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critiqued and they want to know what they need to do to improve.” Assistant Professor of Management Lisa Delise also served as a coordinator for the team, playing an integral role in their second place win. “While I work on the theory and general team structure, her expertise in organizational psychology and public speaking acumen is key to our success,” said Benko. “She helps critique the team and works with them to structure their arguments.” Meredith has a strong reputation in the NCICU Ethics Bowl, so the team was determined to continue that legacy and represent women’s colleges well at a different competition. “With this being our first time in this particular competition, we had no idea what to expect,” said Rachel Blay, ’21. “We definitely had to do more research and adjust our approach.” Having never debated with larger universities such as Clemson University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, their second place win is a significant achievement.

“At the start of it, the organizers of the bowl didn’t even know who Meredith College was,” said Benko. “Now, everyone knows who we are. This team put our school on the regional and national map.” Meredith’s Ethics Bowl team members are Raynor Dail, ’22, Elena Blackwelder, ’23, Scout Burch, ’23, Safa Ahmed, ’23, and Rachel Blay, ’21. This is one of the younger teams Benko has worked with, making their win even more impressive. Burch said she is most proud of the teamwork and the number of hours they put into preparing for the competition. Ahmed agreed that the team, not knowing how high the level of competition would be, wanted to be prepared. “We practiced up to 12 hours a week every week for months leading up to the actual competition,” she said. “And now that Meredith College is on the radar of every school in the region, we have high hopes for next year.”

Jackson Named New Vice President for Business and Finance By Kristi Eaves-McLennan and Melyssa Allen

eredith College has selected Tammi Jackson, J.D., Ed.D., to serve as vice president for business and finance. Jackson officially joined Meredith’s administration on December 1, 2020. After a national search drawing more than 60 applications and nominations, Jackson emerged as the top candidate, with an extensive background in higher education finance and administration. She has a track record of negotiating better financing terms for the institutions she has served. She has also successfully implemented short- and long-term financial plans, overseen major construction projects, and provided leadership and direction for human resources, technology services, business services, and facilities management areas. “In addition to her financial acumen and leadership skills, one of the things that impressed us the most about Tammi is her commitment to students,” said President Jo Allen. “Her philosophy that a college’s business and finance division exists to help support the academic development of students was evident throughout the interview process.” Jackson’s previous experience includes serving as deputy general counsel for fiscal and risk management and compliance for the National Bar Association and as vice president for finance and administration for Dominican University of California, Goucher College, and Mills College, a noted women’s college in California. In these roles, she earned a reputation as an astute financial professional, excellent communicator, transparent collaborator, and effective manager. Jackson holds a B.S. in business administration from the University of Connecticut, an MBA in finance from Sacred Heart University, a J.D. from the University of Maryland, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Joining the executive leadership team at Meredith fulfills a goal that Jackson set while pursuing her doctorate. “I wanted to be able to use my experience, knowledge, and skills at a liberal arts institution where I could be most impactful,” Jackson said. “When I reviewed the position description for this role, I was excited that I could bring my years of experience and leadership to Meredith.” Jackson noted that Meredith’s mission and vision align with her personal beliefs. “I wanted to be a part of an institution that was educating women for a global world; that supported intellectual freedom and academic excellence and that values integrity.” Joining Meredith at a time when the College has launched a college-wide initiative on anti-racism was also an important factor for Jackson.

“During the most recent tumultuous times when the world was experiencing a ‘wake up’ call on race relations, it was important for me that the institution that I wanted to be a member of could not only appreciate and support such racial calls, but that it be one that wanted to leave a mark in this world,” Jackson said. “Thus, the College’s stance on supporting Black and Brown lives resonated with me as a Black woman in this world. I was impressed that Meredith continues to support this initiative and is taking active steps in recognizing that diversity and inclusion enhance the fabric of our community.” Jackson succeeds Craig M. Barfield, who retired after leading Meredith’s business and finance division for nine years as part of a successful 40-year career serving in business and finance roles with both state government and higher education institutions.

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Educational Efforts Provide Foundation for Meredith’s Anti-Racism Work By Melyssa Allen

“The groundwater metaphor is a valuable way to discuss the issues of systemic racism in society. And just like one needs to address the quality of groundwater if fish are getting sick in many lakes, one needs to address our systems that lead to racial inequality.” — Matthew Poslusny

Image from the Racial Equity Institute’s Groundwater Training presentation.

n keeping with Meredith’s mission as an institution of higher education, the College-Wide Initiative on Anti-Racism includes an educational thread throughout. One of the action steps of the plan emphasizes the need to make anti-racism training available to all faculty and staff. The initiative, which was announced in June 2020, led to a number of educational opportunities throughout the fall semester. These programs started with a keynote and breakout sessions during Faculty/Staff Planning Week. Hundreds of faculty and staff participated in these sessions, which focused on structural racism and racial equity. The foundations set during planning week continued when employees participated in the Racial Equity Institute’s Groundwater Training in October. The Racial Equity Institute (REI) uses data from areas including education, housing, banking, and more to show how racism is fundamentally structural in nature. (Learn more about REI at racialequityinstitute.com.) According to REI organizers, the ground-

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water metaphor used in the training is “designed to help [participants] internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that this is what causes racial inequity.” President Jo Allen and the Executive Leadership Team are among those at Meredith who have participated in more extensive REI training. “The groundwater metaphor is a valuable way to discuss the issues of systemic racism in society,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Matthew Poslusny, who completed the two-day REI Phase I workshop with academic deans last summer. “And just like one needs to address the quality of groundwater if fish are getting sick in many lakes, one needs to address our systems that lead to racial inequality.” After participating themselves, Meredith’s leadership decided to fund participation in the groundwater session for faculty and staff in support of the anti-racism initiative. “More than 100 faculty and staff signed up to participate in the training, and others

reached out to say they hoped the training would be offered again,” said Professor of Education Julie Schrock, who helped host the virtual session in October. “This tells me the Meredith community recognizes our need to grow in our understanding of issues surrounding racial equity and diversity on our campus.” Assistant Director of International Programs Traci Stewart Johnson said she participated in the program because she places a high value on educating herself on race and equity issues. “As the primary international student adviser on Meredith’s campus, I believe it is my responsibility to create ‘safer spaces’ for students, operate in cultural humility, and constantly seek to better understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with students with cultural differences,” Johnson said. Johnson, like many other faculty and staff, appreciated the opportunity provided by the REI training. “I understand that educating myself and being open-minded to widening my view on race and equity issues is a life-long learning process that involves critical self-reflection and openness,” Johnson said. “I want to put in the work and appreciate opportunities from Meredith College for training on these issues.”

Exploring Belonging Through Arts & Humanities Common Experience Theme Meredith’s School of Arts & Humanities (A&H) is using its annual Common Experience as an opportunity to explore “Belonging” and what it means to belong at Meredith College. The Common Experience events were planned by a committee including Arts & Humanities students, faculty, and Assistant Dean of Students Tomecca Sloane. The theme was selected in February 2020 in recognition that fostering a sense of belonging among all people, regardless of back-

ground, is an essential element of building cohesive bonds within a college, a nation, or any other type of community, according to Dean of the School of Arts & Humanities Sarah Roth. “We recognize that students in the School of Arts & Humanities are from all types of backgrounds and have all types of interests. All of them are Meredith students and all of them enrich our A&H community,” Roth said. The Common Experience theme included a September kickoff presentation and panel discussion on belonging at Meredith. This event was followed by a series of breakout

past and present, and the second session focused on moving forward and achieving greater belonging for all members of the campus community. In the second session, students met in affinity groups. These included international students, African American students, students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ students, white students, and Latinx students. “The goal is to actively foster discussions for students and faculty to openly express their opinions and stories on issues that have occurred and continue occurring on campus that have caused division and/or discomfort among our students,” said Bartola Garcia, ’22, a student member of the committee.

“The goal is to actively foster discussions for students and faculty to openly express their opinions and stories on issues that have occurred and continue occurring on campus that have caused division and/or discomfort among our students.” — Bartola Garcia, ’22

discussion groups for students. For the fall semester, faculty also created units, assignments, and whole courses that allowed students in their classes to explore the theme in more depth. The kickoff event, Belonging at Meredith: Past, Present, and Future, featured a presentation by Professor of History Dan Fountain about who has been allowed to belong within the Meredith community at various points in the College’s past. The presentation did not shy away from discussing types of exclusion that have been found in Meredith’s history. A panel of students representing different identity groups then shared their perspectives on how they see belonging at Meredith now and ways they would like the sense of community to improve in the future. Nearly 500 people, including the Board of Trustees, either watched the panel presentation live or viewed the recorded event. This presentation was followed by opportunities for students to discuss belonging at Meredith in small groups. These sessions were led by student members of the Common Experience Committee with a faculty member in a supporting role. The first session focused on the collective experience of marginalized groups on campus,

The discussion topics included what it means to belong, places where students find a sense of belonging at Meredith and where they have not, as well as a look toward the future. Roth said the sessions were designed to give students a platform to help amplify their voices on campus in order to create positive change in the Meredith community. “We wanted them to see that their experiences are important and that the School of Arts & Humanities cares and wants to drive some important changes,” Roth said. In order to facilitate change, the Common Experience Committee will share with Meredith leaders a report generated from the discussion groups. Aminah Jenkins, ’23, a student member on the committee, said a primary goal was to listen to students in order to improve their experiences. “Our plan is to present our findings to various groups on campus. My hope is that this information is used to create informed actionables with tangible results for students,” Jenkins said. Visit meredith.edu/anti-racism-initiative for updates on Meredith’s progress on the action steps identified in the College-wide Initiative on Anti-Racism.

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Alumnae Connecting to Meredith in a New Way By Hilary Allen, ’01

hroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Meredith alumnae and friends have remained connected to one another and the College through virtual events offered by the Office of Alumnae Relations. The alumnae office presented 38 virtual events in fall 2020. Some highlights of these events included an election series featuring Professor of Political Science David McLennan, an alumnae book club, an Italian Adventure Series highlighting the culture, food, wine, and art of Italy, and a Scholar Sips Series. There were more than 1,100 alumnae and friends in attendance for the virtual events, which provided alumnae from around the globe the opportunity to participate. Alumnae in North Carolina, Alaska, Florida, Virginia, New York, Arizona, California, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and even the U.K. and Japan joined in these Meredith programs. Nelly Navarro-Britt, ’99, has regularly participated in the virtual alumnae book club meetings. Navarro-Britt lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and has appreciated the connection the virtual events have provided. “Since graduation I have moved all over the United States. While I do go ‘home’ every five years for my reunions, I miss out on so many awesome opportunities only offered on campus,” said Navarro-Britt. “What I have experienced since the current pandemic is

what I was craving all these years. I am so happy to be able to participate in events no matter how far away I live from Raleigh.” Deanna Harris, ’90, who lives locally, appreciates that alumnae from different parts of the world can participate in the virtual events. “The virtual alumnae book club has been a great opportunity to meet alumnae from across the country and overseas and to discuss interesting, relevant, and thought-

“The virtual alumnae book club has been a great opportunity to meet alumnae from across the country and overseas and to discuss interesting, relevant, and thought-provoking novels and non-fiction books” — Deanna Harris, ’90

provoking novels and non-fiction books,” Harris said. “As a teacher and school librarian, I love a strong book club, and it’s even better when I can meet with my Meredith sisters from my own comfy chair at home without having to drive back into Raleigh at night!” In addition to the connection with fellow alumnae, virtual event participants have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with

Stay connected with the Office of Alumnae Relations at meredith.edu/alumnae for information on upcoming virtual and in person events. Update your information at meredith.edu/alumnae/alumnaeupdate-your-contact-information or call the Office of Alumnae Relations at (919) 760-8548.

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current Meredith College faculty members. Crystal Hartness Leathers, ’65, and her husband tuned in each Monday morning for the Meredith Votes 2020 series. “We’ve been impressed by Dr. David McLennan’s knowledge of politics, government, and elections at every level,” Leathers said. “This series is another example of Meredith helping us be responsible citizens and strengthening our bonds as an informed community.” The virtual events offered during the fall semester sought to educate, inform, and facilitate discussion among members of the Meredith community. In particular, Boyd King Dimmock, ’71, said, “The Meredith Book Club has exposed me to interesting books that have given me new insights into the challenges of others’ lives. Feeling somewhat isolated because of COVID-19, I enjoy seeing the faces of the group and hearing in their views about the content.” Tamani Anderson Powell, ’86, has been unable to stay connected with Meredith in recent years because she’s been focused on raising her kids. She has been thankful for a new way to connect. “My time at the recent virtual book club was amazing,” Powell said. “It gave me a chance to get back to me and share that time with a great group of women. In the beginning, I only knew one person but felt like I made some new friends who shared a kindred spirit and love of reading.”

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Considering Where Our Treasure Lies

his winter, my family helped my mother move to independent/ assisted living. Clearing a house after 61 years is backbreaking, emotional, and, yes, sometimes grumpy work. Understanding why a particular vase or piece of jewelry or newspaper article has been saved, however, is an important part of the process – puzzling until the “aha!” or “really?” explanation comes. We are so pleased that our 93-year old mother is exceptionally healthy in mind, body, and spirit, but we also realize, especially in the midst of the pandemic, that we are all feeling elements of loss, both large and small. I hope you may be rediscovering some long-forgotten treasures: an old friend, a family recipe for comfort food, the thrilling scent and rustle of leaves during a walk in the woods, the occasional joy of an afternoon nap, the moment-bymoment awareness of a child learning to walk or read or catch a ball.

I hope it is also a time, however, of discovering some new treasures: a new friendship, a long overdue library book that we finally read, a drive to a new town where we explore places we hope to frequent as soon as the pandemic ends. I am reflecting on these discoveries in the context of our family and my mother’s life, especially as she worked to honor the promise of a Meredith education for my sister and me. In the attic, I found and thumbed through the old yearbooks of my days at Meredith. I remember telling my parents some of the profound lessons I was learning in classes, the squealing howls of emerging adult humor, the ritualistic appeal of Roy Rogers and Sadlack’s, and the freedom of going to parties without a curfew or any expectation to check in with her and Dad (yeah … I tiptoed gently through that revelation!). A pandemic is hardly the ideal time to move someone into new living quarters, but it has been a joy to go through some

of our family and Meredith memories. The pandemic has given us the frame of mind to realize that time is a quirky thing – moving at alternating lightning and snail paces. It is the reminder that life and our memories are precious, that we should reflect on their importance and what they say about us and our character and our very existence. I encourage you, too, to reconsider your time at Meredith in this bizarre continuum and warped disruption of time and space. And as we think of these days, and our ongoing love for Meredith, I hope we will all reflect on needed changes in the days and months ahead, what we must preserve for future generations, and the meaning we attach to our choices.

President Jo Allen, ’80

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Meredith College Commemorates Veterans Day 2020 By Melyssa Allen

eredith College typically holds an annual Veterans Day event with a special focus on honoring women veterans. While unable to hold an in-person event in 2020, the College created a video to commemorate the day. The video shows highlights from Meredith’s Honoring Women Veterans events held since 2012. Brigadier General Norman C. Gattis was the speaker at the inaugural event. Since then, representatives of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps have served as keynote speakers. Meredith’s Honoring Women Veterans committee also recommended virtual service projects for 2020. They encouraged Meredith community members to support efforts by the USO and Veterans United to send virtual greetings to active members of the military.

Hover your camera here to watch the Veterans Day 2020 video.

Meredith Webinar Focuses on Women Voters: Past and Present

Watch the Women Voters webinar.

By Melyssa Allen

eredith College hosted a webinar focused on Women Voters: Past and Present in October, part of a series of special events presented to recognize the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The webinar featured guest lecturer Joshua Chanin of Texas A&M University-Commerce discussing the efforts of women to define Texas’s political culture following ratification of the 19th Amendment. Chanin’s presentation provided historical context and an example of the importance of suffrage activism at the local, as well as national, level. Meredith Associate Professor of History Angela Robbins, who helped to organize the webinar, said it is important to recognize the limitations of the 19th Amendment while commemorating its ratification. “Mr. Chanin made clear in his presentation that it was white women in Texas and across the nation who benefited from the ratification of the 19th Amendment, because women of color were disenfranchised,” Robbins said. “In the interest of political expediency,

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suffragists downplayed the contributions of Black women to the suffrage movement and they even courted white supremacists in some cases. This is a painful truth that makes it more appropriate to think in terms of commemorating, rather than celebrating, the 19th Amendment, which Mr. Chanin pointed out.” It is important to continually strive to convey a fuller, more accurate history, Robbins said. “We must recognize that Black women’s history is American history. Widening the lens to see American history from different perspectives is valuable to our discussions about diversity and inclusion,” Robbins said. “Black women and men who were disenfranchised had no voice, no way to participate in the system, and no way to shape policies and laws that affected them. Their exclusion from the political process is an aspect of what we identify as systemic racism.” The webinar also focused on modern women as voters and political office holders. “The history of women’s suffrage is just one

aspect of a broader focus on the significance of women’s votes and the issues that women voters care about,” said Robbins. “We brought in our resident political scientists, Dr. David McLennan and Dr. Whitney Manzo, to address modern women voters.” McLennan shared what was on the minds of North Carolina’s registered voters, as reflected in the recent Meredith Poll results. Manzo reminded attendees that women are still under-represented in political offices across the nation and that North Carolina has much room for improvement in women’s political representation. “We have a lot of work to do, as the number of women in elected offices has actually decreased in recent years,” Robbins said. “These are important considerations when we think about both how far women have come since 1920 and also how much we still need to do to improve the status of women. One thing we can all learn from this history is that we must vote and protect the right of others to vote, because that’s the best way to honor all those who fought so hard for it in the past.”

Alumnae Panel Focuses on STEM Career Success for Women By Melyssa Allen

eredith students were able to hear perspectives on STEM careers from alumnae who participated in a Women in STEM panel in October. There were more than 75 people in attendance at the virtual event. Panelists were Asiyah Ahmad, ’19, who majored in computer science and now works as a Full-Stack Developer at HCL Technologies; Rana Oueijan, ’19, who majored in biology and public health and is in pharmacy school at Campbell University; Melyssa Minto, ’17, who majored in biology and mathematics and is a Ph.D. candidate in computational biology and bioinformatics at Duke University; and Shivani Devaguptapu, ’20, who majored in public health and plans to work in clinical research.

The event was sponsored by the Canaday Mathematics and Computer Science Club (CMCS), TriBeta, PEARLS, the American Chemical Society, and the Meredith Health Professions Society. “The goal of Women in STEM was to showcase the fact that we as women can and will succeed in a STEM-oriented field if we choose to,” said CMCS President Katie Thompson, who helped to organize the panel. “Many women in STEM face adversity when it comes to our mental health over the course load, being in a male majority field, and the rigor of the content. However, we can set our minds to whatever we aim for and we will achieve our goals.” The organizers wanted to have panelists from a wide range of backgrounds and pro-

fessional interests. Thompson said it was important that they be recent graduates who understood the challenges that women majoring in STEM programs face. Topics covered included advice on career choice, classes that have most helped in their professions, challenges faced, and what they like best about being women in STEM fields. Their advice included the importance of taking time for yourself and to know that being discouraged sometimes is normal, but not to let that keep you from meeting your potential. “Everyone is going through the same challenges,” Thompson said. “I really hope student participants learned to believe in themselves and know they can do anything they set their minds to.”

Meredith Experts in the News Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets including C-SPAN, The Hill, ABC 11 WTVD, and WJCT Public Media. “[The Meredith Poll] started six years ago as a learning opportunity for students, who are involved in the process … We have experienced almost every method of surveying people from North Carolina.” — Professor of Political Science David McLennan on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal in October. McLennan, who serves as director of the Meredith Poll, was interviewed and he took questions from viewers.

“Journalism plays an important role in campaign coverage. Its storylines are both influenced by political elites and also set the agenda for those same political elites. At times, however, its storylines are also entirely removed from what the majority of Americans are thinking. With many traditional media outlets’ audiences shrinking, and younger generations in particular tuning out, it may be time to radically change how politics in general and campaigns in particular are covered.” — Associate Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo and Professor of Political Science David McLennan in an op-ed written for The Hill in October 2020.

“We are good at challenges. We love our students and we will do what it takes to make Meredith the great experience for students now, just as it was for students four years ago and 40 years ago when I was here.” — Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ’75, in an ABC-11 WTVD story on how Meredith College used technology including the CampusClear app to continue in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the American Revolution, people tore down statues of George III and they did so because our ideals changed. We moved from being proudly British to saying no, we want independence. This is no different.” — Professor of History Dan Fountain in an interview with WJCT public media for a story about potentially renaming Jacksonville, Florida’s Robert E. Lee High School. The school is his alma mater. S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

William Grant Still

Source: wikipedia.org

Source: britannica.com

The Music Department has revised its curriculum and performances to be more inclusive of under-represented composers.

Music Department Working to Support Anti-Racism Initiative By Gaye Hill

eredith College’s Department of Music is taking steps to address a desire for change by music students and alumnae who have expressed concerns about race and equity. The music department’s efforts are part of a larger anti-racism initiative being undertaken by Meredith College. The music department hired a consultant, Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Ph.D., to meet with BIPOC students and alumnae. The confidential conversations revealed concerns that included a lack of diversity in the curriculum; lack of sensitivity in delivery of the curriculum; assumptions made by faculty about students of color and their background and experiences; and inappropriate selection of cultural songs.

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Jeanie Wozencraft-Ornellas, music department head and associate professor of voice, then met with the consultant to discuss the best ways to address the concerns. “Racism is abhorrent,” said WozencraftOrnellas. “As department head, I am responsible for ensuring a safe, quality, inclusive education for every one of our students. Having been aware of systemic racism in housing, banking, education, etc., I have to admit that I was not truly aware of how that systemic racism was built into our curriculum in music and music education.” To receive ongoing student feedback, Wozencraft-Ornellas is developing a way for students to anonymously report issues as they arise. “I am grateful for the assistance of our con-

sultant in having an honest, safe conversation with our students,” she said. “I am equally grateful to our students for their honesty and willingness to work with us on creating a more inclusive music department.”

Steps Being Taken Wozencraft-Ornellas and music faculty members discussed the concerns in their faculty retreat in fall 2020. Some important steps have been taken or are in progress, including • Redefining the music department’s mission. • Revising the music history curriculum to include a global music component and more inclusion of marginalized musicians. The new sequence provides significant opportunities to increase the

inclusion of the contributions of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ musicians, many of whom are being “rediscovered.” • Collecting songs from multiple cultures to use in teaching scales and intervals in music theory. European tonal scales/ intervals will be compared with other cultural tonal systems in the theory classes, and be further investigated in the global music course. This change will carry over into music education courses to prepare teachers with multi-cultural resources to use in the classroom. • Being more intentional and transparent in choices of cultural songs, and in communicating both the context and the importance of those songs and composers to performers and audiences. Steps are being taken to purge ensemble libraries of inappropriate selections, such as “Chinese folk songs” that include neither Chinese poetry nor harmonies, and are written by white composers.

Changes in Practice According to Jim Waddelow, associate professor of music and director of instrumental studies, Meredith has increased the amount of minority and under-represented composers in orchestra concerts from 20% to about 40%. “Our first concert featured three women composers, and we performed works composed by musicians from Japan, Turkey, and Chile,” said Waddelow. He noted that most textbooks are still not inclusive or reflective of the work being created by all musicians, particularly music written and performed after World War II. “Beethoven and Mozart are great, and they are continuously performed for a reason,” said Waddelow. “However, if we ignore the music written by the current generation of musicians, many who struggle to have their voices heard, then we risk classical music becoming a museum of music of the past. We will continue to honor the greats of the past while at

the same time we will champion the underperformed music of the minorities of our generation.” Shannon Gravelle, director of choral activities and music education coordinator, said it is key to move away from the notion that music is static. “Music is cultural, it’s responsive, it’s human. And the more we can contextualize music (history, theory, performance, etc.), the better musicians we will help teach,” said Gravelle. “Our students should leave Meredith being leaders and proactive, and

“Music is cultural, it’s responsive, it’s human. And the more we can contextualize music (history, theory, performance, etc.), the better musicians we will help teach.”

Florence Price Source: naxosusa.com

— Shannon Gravelle

revising the curriculum to more accurately reflect the reality of a global world is both aligning with best practices and creating a platform for our students to succeed in a more informed world.” Gravelle also noted that anti-racism work is moving at a different pace in different areas of the music discipline. “Music education has multiple scholars that are involved in anti-bias, anti-racism work,” she said. “The music education textbooks try to be “multicultural,” but this can be problematic if it tokenizes a style, composer, or concept. There is no definitive text right now on anti-bias, anti-racism (ABAR) work in the music education field, but there are a lot of great resources available; from textbooks to articles to scholars.” Wozencraft-Ornellas said the department will continue to develop strategies that will ensure a safe, welcoming, and productive community for all music students. “We continually seek to increase inclusion of marginalized composers, musicians, and practices from the past and present.”

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges Source: donatocabrera.medium.com

Undine Smith Moore Source: seattlepromusica.org

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Honors Scholar Works Towards Dream of Becoming a Physician By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 Samantha Duerring, ’20

amantha (Sammie) Duerring, ’20, accomplished a lot at Meredith. Honors scholar, biology major, undergraduate researcher, peer tutor – these are just a few of her accolades. What sets Duerring apart? She accomplished it all while blind. According to her CliftonStrengths® results, Duerring is a Learner: always embracing the opportunity to learn in as many mediums as she possibly can. This strength lent itself well to her undergraduate research on the perceptions of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on Meredith’s campus. Aware of the many misconceptions surrounding GMOs, Duerring conducted research to determine how a lack of education plays a role in their perception. Her faculty adviser and thesis director, Professor of Biological Sciences Karthik Aghoram, said her research was “the most ready-to-submit thesis” he’s read in his entire teaching career. Not only does Duerring enjoy learning

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herself, she enjoys helping others learn, too. She used this skill as a peer-tutor for Meredith’s learning center. “I am very proud of the opportunity to share my love of science with other students,” she said. Duerring’s passions lie outside of writing papers and tutoring, though. Holding a human brain in her hands, dissecting the lens of a sheep’s eye, even performing a spinal tap – Duerring has taken advantage of these hands-on learning experiences just as much as any other pre-med student, not allowing her visual impairment to slow her down.

“I am very proud of the opportunity to share my love of science with other students.” — Samantha Duerring, ’20

Eventually, Duerring plans to further her education by going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Though she isn’t quite sure what she wants to specialize in yet,

psychiatry and pediatrics are a couple of the areas she’s considering. But first, she hopes to attend the Colorado Center for the Blind Independence Training Program for Adults, where she will learn to become even more self-sufficient in her everyday life. Duerring credits her support system at Meredith, including Aghoram as her adviser and the disabilities services staff, for boosting her confidence in her ability to achieve her career goals. “The professors and other staff members at Meredith are wonderful,” she said. “They see me as a successful student and not as a visually impaired individual.” Another pillar of support for Duerring during her time at Meredith was her guide dog, Princess. The two of them became extremely well-loved among the Meredith community during their four years on campus together. “Princess and I will truly miss our Meredith family as we move on to the next chapter in our lives,” Duerring said.

In Memoriam: Professor Emerita Dorothy Knott Preston, ’54 By Melyssa Allen

he Meredith College community was saddened to learn of the death of Professor Emerita Dorothy “Dot” Knott Preston, ’54, on January 5, 2021, at age 88. Preston served on Meredith’s faculty from 1961 until her retirement in 1997 as a professor of mathematics. Phyllis O’Hara Smetana, ’87, said Preston, who was her freshman faculty adviser, had a major impact on her life. Smetana now teaches in Meredith’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. “Although I never had her as a professor, Dr. Preston played a key role in my academic and professional life – always encouraging me to strive for my best and always a strong advocate for women in mathematics, and in particular statistics,” Smetana said. “She encouraged women to go into STEM

fields before that was a ‘thing’. She was a proud Meredith alumna, setting a strong example for those of us who dared to study mathematics.” Preston is also remembered for playing the Cheshire Cat in Meredith’s quadrennial productions of Alice in Wonderland. In her published obituary, it says that she continued to attend Alice performances after her retirement, “taking great delight in the Cats who followed her in that role.” A recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine in 1984, Preston was a leader at her church, First Baptist Church of Raleigh on Salisbury Street, and in her community. She was an active alumna at Meredith. In memory of her husband, Preston established the Judge Edwin S. Preston, Jr. and Dorothy K. Preston Scholarship in Statistics at Meredith College.

In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus William Ledford By Melyssa Allen

he Meredith College community was saddened to learn of the death of Professor Emeritus William Ransom “Bill” Ledford on January 3, 2021, at age 97. Ledford taught French and Spanish at Meredith for 34 years, including service as department head, before his retirement with the rank of professor in 1991. Ledford was remembered in a message to campus as “a kind man [who] enjoyed talking with students, alumnae, and colleagues. He delighted all for many years as the Carpenter in Alice in Wonderland, a role he played with his friend and colleague Nona Short, who was the Walrus.”

In his published obituary, Ledford’s family described him as a world traveler and fluent speaker of French, Spanish, and Italian, who had an appreciation for all world religions. Ledford held a bachelor’s degree in French and in Spanish from Berea College, a master’s degree in romance languages from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and a doctorate in modern languages from UNC-Chapel Hill. He was active in language organizations including the South Atlantic Modern Language Association. He was a recipient of two Fulbright Scholarships, supporting travel and study in Columbia and India.

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CAMPUS

NEWS

In Memoriam: Professor Emerita Jacquelin Dietz By Melyssa Allen

he Meredith College community was saddened to learn of the death of Professor Emerita Jacquelin Dietz. A professor of mathematics at Meredith College for a decade after more than 25 years teaching at NC State University, Dietz passed away on December 16, 2020. Dietz held an A.B. in mathematics and psychobiology from Oberlin College, and both an M.S. and a Ph.D. in statistics from the University of Connecticut. After completing her Ph.D. in 1978, Dietz joined the Department of Statistics at NC State University. During the 1980s, she worked and published in the area of multivariate nonparametric statistical methods. In 1993, she became the founding editor of the Journal of Statistics Education, followed by editorial work for several journals, service to professional organizations, and involvement in the AP Statistics program. In 2004, she moved from NC State to Meredith College, where she primarily taught statistics courses. Dietz served as the head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science for five years. In a 2011 interview with the Journal of Statistics Education, Dietz discussed her decision to move from a large research university to Meredith. “Meredith has certainly turned out to be a good fit for me. I very much enjoy teaching

small classes. I get to know all of my students to some extent and many of them quite well,” Dietz said. “Meredith’s faculty members are expected to make contributions in the areas of effective teaching, advising and mentoring, service, and professional involvement. Professional involvement ... includes the kinds of editorial and service activities that I had come to enjoy.” Professor of Mathematics Cammey Cole Manning, who now serves as department head, called Dietz a gift to Meredith and the academic community. “Jackie made an impact on so many lives– at Meredith, at NC State, and in the whole statistics community,” Manning said. “I recall two of our students going to the Joint Statistical Meetings to present research and being completely amazed that everyone knew Jackie! For those of us who were fortunate enough to work with her, she was an incredible mentor, colleague, and friend. She will be missed by many.” Meredith College President Jo Allen remembers Dietz as a great advocate for mathematics and statistics. “She was a smart, powerful soul and intellect,” Allen said. Dietz earned numerous awards during her career. In 1996, she was named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association, in recognition of excellence and innovation in teaching and dissemination of statistical knowledge at all levels; and for the founding

of the Journal of Statistics Education. In 2006, she received the American Statistical Association (ASA) Founders Award, for extraordinary contributions to advances in statistical education, as founding editor of the Journal for Statistics Education and other publications activities; for leadership on the Section for Statistics Education and Council of Sections; and for effective representation of ASA to several intersociety activities. At Meredith, she received the Pauline Davis Perry Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2010, and in 2012, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the University of Connecticut’s Department of Statistics.

In Memoriam: Professor Emerita Nona Short

eredith College mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Nona Short, who taught Latin and photography for many years. Short died on November 19, 2020, at age 84. The following remembrance was shared with the campus community through the Office of the Chaplain: “Nona Short was a photographer, jewelry-maker, and avid dog lover. For many years, she played the Walrus in the quadrennial production of Alice in Wonderland, dazzling students and colleagues alike. Frequently she ate in Belk Dining Hall, bringing

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her own silver utensils wrapped in a linen napkin. With that practice and her wide-ranging intellectual interests, she raised the tone of many a lunch table discussion. For her teaching, sense of humor, and many kindnesses, we grieve her death with her family, as well as with former colleagues, students, and friends.” Short was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and a graduate of both Ole Miss and the University of Wisconsin. She joined the Meredith College faculty in 1966.

Embedded Tutors Now Offered at Meredith By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

s resilience continues to play a key role in student success, administrators at Meredith have created new ways to support students through tutoring and coaching opportunities. Meredith’s Learning Center has added embedded tutoring to provide further support to students seeking help with their courses. Embedded tutors complete the same training and offer the same support as traditional tutors, but take on a much more engaged role within classes. “Essentially, these tutors are on an extended virtual class visit by their own election,” explains Tina Romanelli, Meredith’s Learning Center director. “They are added to the professor’s Brightspace as assistants, where they can create announcements, poll the students to find out when they’d like to study together, and then lead test review sessions and/or weekly drop-in appointments, just for that class.” The goal of the new offering is to improve the group-study culture at Meredith, a need that was initially discovered when classes moved online last spring. “In March 2020, the National College Learning Center Association started having weekly meetings for learning center administrators,” said Romanelli. During these meetings, the learning center administrators all shared concerns that students were not seeking out tutoring in the online environment, even though it was apparent that for many, online classes would be more difficult than in-person. “One of the comments that stuck out to me in these meetings was the idea that campuses that had a strong group-study culture saw a better transition to online,” Romanelli said. “From there, I knew we wanted to create a group-study culture at Meredith to help us get through the pandemic.” During the fall semester, almost 100 students used embedded tutoring. “We’re hoping that, regardless of what happens with course delivery in the future, the culture of students who want to learn together will continue to grow,” said Romanelli.

Newsmakers Professor Emerita Fran Page is one of five recipients of UNCG’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards. During her 36 years at Meredith, Page served in many capacities, including head of the Department of Music, coordinator of music education, and director of choral activities. In addition to her service to Meredith, Page is the founder and retired conductor of the Capital City Girls Choir, a three-choir community organization for girls from ages 9 to 18. Page is a past president of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and past chair of the Arts Education Leadership Coalition (AELC). She is past president of Southern Division MENC: The National Association for Music Education and in that capacity served on the National Executive Board of MENC (now NAfME). Criminal Justice Program Director Bianca Harris guest lectured at Howard University in October 2020. Harris spoke to faculty members of the Department of Political Science and students who are involved with the program about female offenders and the evolving importance of understanding substance use disorder in the field of corrections. Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Steven A. Benko edited Ethics in Comedy: Essays on Crossing the Line, a book that was recently published by McFarland Press. This collection of essays addresses possible ways that moral and ethical lines can be drawn around humor and laughter. In addition to editing the book, Benko wrote the introduction, an essay, (“Otherwise Than Laughter: Levinas and an Ethics of Laughter”) and co-authored a second essay (“That’s Way Too Aggressive a Word: Aziz Ansari, Comedy of Incongruity and Affectively Charged Feminism”) with Meredith alumna Ellie Jones, ’20. This is the second book edited by Benko; The Good Place and Philosophy: Get an Afterlife is available from Open Court Press. Professor of Music Kent Lyman was featured in a recent segment on a South Korean television station called YTN. Lyman attracted the interest of the station during visits to South Korea and the piece, which was filmed before pandemic restrictions, covered some of the connections between North Carolina and Korea. The feature was broadcast nationwide in Korea in August.

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NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST WOMAN GOVERNOR DONATES COLLECTION TO MEREDITH By Melyssa Allen

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Watch Meredith’s research team talk about the Bev Perdue Collection.

everly Perdue, the first woman to serve as governor of North Carolina, recently donated a collection of her materials to Meredith College. Her papers, photos, inaugural materials, and other relevant items have already provided educational benefits to Meredith scholars. According to Carrie Nichols, head of technical services for Meredith’s Carlyle Campbell Library, the donation includes personal, biographical, and campaign materials from Perdue, who served in numerous leadership roles before being elected governor in 2008. The collection includes documents from Perdue’s career as an educator, her service in the state legislature, as lieutenant governor, and as the first – and so far only – woman to serve as governor of North Carolina. Materials include daily calendars, travel notebooks, photos, debate videos, campaign advertisements, and awards. Inaugural materials, such as the pen used to sign the executive change order, her inaugural speech, and her inaugural transition notebook, are also included. There are hundreds of photos documenting Perdue’s historic inauguration and other moments in her term. “It is an amazing collection and we’re excited and honored to have it at Meredith College,” said Nichols, who manages Meredith’s College Archives. “This collection will be heavily used by our students as they study the best practices in historical and political research.”

“I wanted my collection to be in a place that can survive and thrive and actually grow new wings as society demands it.” — Former Governor Bev Perdue

Although the collection is still being processed, one student, Inaya Rivera, ’22, was given complete access to the collection during the summer for a research project. Her research was under the direction of Nichols and Professor of History Dan Fountain. As part of the project, Rivera, Nichols, and Fountain were able to do oral history

interviews with Perdue. Their conversations included what Perdue wanted to emphasize about her accomplishments and her hopes for the collection at Meredith. Perdue said she could think of no better place for her collection than Meredith. As the largest women’s college in North Carolina, Meredith is a logical home for this collection. Perdue’s husband, Bob Eaves, served multiple terms as a Meredith trustee, strengthening her connection to the College. “I wanted my collection to be in a place that can survive and thrive and actually grow new wings as society demands it,” Perdue said. Another goal is for the materials to be used in ways that are inspiring to future women leaders. “What I hope will come out of it is to inspire some young woman to take a chance. I hope it might inspire people to see that the journey of public service is a good journey,” Perdue said. “It’s not about me – it’s about the future.” Meredith President Jo Allen, ’80, was proud to accept the donation from Perdue. “Meredith’s connection to Governor Perdue extends to her time as governor and

her husband’s time as a member of our Board of Trustees,” said Allen. “Governor Perdue, of course, had many options for the placement of these remembrances but ultimately selected Meredith because of our status as a women’s college and her family connections to us. We are delighted to have this treasure trove of a key figure in North Carolina’s history.” Fountain reiterated how important it is for Meredith College to be chosen to house Perdue’s collection. “This is a special opportunity that was brought here because Beverly Perdue wanted to connect with a women’s college,” Fountain said. “She was interested in having women understand what it was like as a candidate, what it was like as a leader for the state, and the challenges she faced.”

Educational Benefits Are Already Apparent Fountain said the Perdue materials are meant to be a living collection that benefit students in history, political science, and other fields. “When we received the Perdue collection, we immediately envisioned having opportunities for students to work with materials to bring her story alive,” Fountain said. S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

gained more experience while also helping make the Perdue Collection accessible to a wider audience. Another goal is to bring the collection’s materials up to present day. “I would like for Inaya to continue building her professional skills by organizing the materials and creating a finding aid, adding descriptive details and digitized documents/photos about the Perdue Collection to the Archives website, and creating another exhibit showcasing materials from the collection,” Nichols said.

An Example of Undergraduate Research at Meredith

Inaya Rivera, ’22

“That was something that we promised very early on in conversations with Beverly Perdue. She was interested in making sure that these were not going to be objects that sit dormant in an archive somewhere.” Rivera, who is completing a contract major in public history, spent the summer researching the former governor’s years of service. Her research resulted in an exhibit, Beverly Perdue, Educator in Chief. The exhibit was first on display in Ledford Hall, home to Meredith’s education program, and then in the foyer of Carlyle Campbell Library. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivera was able to achieve a substantial research experience that supports her career goals. She completed her preliminary research while off campus. “It was convenient to be able to start with outside research, which was mostly biographical, just finding out little things about her life, where she’s from, her life as a child, her life as a mom, as a wife, as a politician, as a teacher, as a healthcare provider,” Rivera said. Rivera followed her research with handson work with the donated collection. “I was able to come into the library and start working with the materials to piece together the story that I wanted to tell in the exhibit,” Rivera said. “It was fun to get a peek at her life. Going through her daily calendars and seeing what she did

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on a day-to-day basis was really interesting and insightful.” The project gave Rivera an opportunity to serve as a curator for an initial exhibition. Narrowing down what to include was a major challenge. The goal was to convey the intended message in a way that appeals to a general audience. “[Communicating concisely] is a big thing for historians to be able to do, especially as curators,” Rivera said. “You have a limited amount of space that you can use and you have to be able to get that story across, and get that message across clearly to audiences of every age from 8 to 82.” Rivera hopes to work as a museum curator in the future. Her dream job is to be a curator at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Her experience with the Perdue Collection has solidified her career goal. “This is exactly the kind of thing that I want to do in the Holocaust museum, to go through research and go through archives and piece together something that is going to speak to the audience,” Rivera said. “It made me see that this is something I can do. This is something I’m passionate about.” During the spring 2021 semester, Rivera is doing an internship in the College Archives, with a continuing focus on the Perdue Collection. Nichols said once the internship is complete, Rivera will have

Fountain, who teaches Meredith’s public history courses, is proud of what Rivera has achieved with the Perdue Collection, doing “painstaking, detailed archival work” during a pandemic. “Undergraduate research projects give students the opportunity to bring theory into life. You’re not just theorizing or imagining what can happen, you’re actually doing the work, exactly what professionals do,” Fountain said. The Perdue Collection project allowed Rivera to work with an important person in North Carolina’s history. “This was working with Governor Perdue, doing interviews with a former governor to capture her story, learning how to connect with a person of power, someone who’s had a serious impact on the state. That’s a very rare opportunity,” Fountain said. While the Perdue Collection presented a unique opportunity for a public history student, the chance to do substantial undergraduate research is not unusual at Meredith. “We’re always pushing our students to engage in undergraduate research, and we’re seeing very significant work being done, such as in sociology doing the report on the Status of Girls in North Carolina or in political science through The Meredith Poll,” Fountain said. “We’re connecting with the public as well as with answering big questions throughout North Carolina and the country as a whole.” Rivera is looking forward to “making a bigger dent in the materials” and curating another exhibition through her internship.

“As challenging as it was [to create an exhibition], to understand that that’s something that I did warms my heart, because this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Rivera said. “This is my career choice and to see that I have the ability to do it, still in undergrad, is amazing.”

Goals for Future Women Leaders Archive The Perdue Collection is just one of the special collections in Meredith’s Archives. The College’s Archives houses and preserves the Women’s Oral History Collection, which includes interviews with Women’s Forum of North Carolina members. Nichols and Fountain hope these collections eventually grow into a Women Leaders Archive. “Given our location in the state capital, we hope Meredith College becomes the go-to location for the state’s leading women seeking to share their stories and archiveworthy collections,” Nichols said. “Another dream that Dr. Fountain and I share is that other faculty would begin to have their students collect women’s oral histories from their specific disciplines. This would greatly expand the Women’s Oral History Collection, providing a variety of primary research materials.”

Nichols would also like to expand the Oral History of Meredith College Alumnae collection that was started by Jean Batten Cooper, ’54, in 1988. The existing collection shows how Meredith prepares its graduates to be leaders. “We have so many alumnae who are leaders in their respective fields. Many are business leaders, leaders in education, the arts, the sciences and on and on,” Nichols said. “It is so inspiring, just listening to and reading through the transcripts of the collection that Mrs. Cooper created. The passion, the determination, and the sense of purpose is evident in each woman’s interview.” Support the Meredith College Archives The Meredith College Archives welcomes donations from alumnae of documents and memorabilia from their time as students. Suggested items include photos, items for their class boxes, scrapbooks, documents/items specific to their program of study, etc. Alumnae who are interested in participating in an oral history interview are encouraged to contact Meredith Archives staff at archives@meredith.edu or nicholsc@meredith.edu.

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WHEN YOU GIVE AN ANGEL A PENCIL The powerful stories of three inspired Meredith alumnae and their path to publication By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

One of the hallmarks of a women’s college education is confidence. Confidence to lead, to speak up, and to make a positive impact on the world. These are all skills Meredith graduates walk across the stage with after completing their degree, which makes them skilled writers and communicators. That’s why it comes as no surprise that many Meredith alumnae have gone on to become authors of some brilliant pieces of work, particularly in the realm of social justice. From a collection of feminist mantras, to a guidebook on how to navigate gender bias, to a memoir from Meredith’s first student of color, alumnae are telling their stories and making an impact through the written word.

Amelia Hruby, ’13, Ph.D. Author of Fifty Feminist Mantras and host of Fifty Feminist States podcast Ever since she was a teen, Amelia Hruby, ’13, has turned to pen and paper as an outlet. She further explored her interest in writing at Meredith, where she double majored in English and religious and ethical studies as a Legacy Scholar. “I’ve always loved figuring out my thoughts and feelings on the page,” said Hruby. “I took a lot of creative writing courses at Meredith that really helped me explore different genres and styles.” One topic that Hruby became particularly interested in exploring during college was feminism. She studied the subject while she was in graduate school at DePaul University, All photos courtesy of the authors.

where she earned her master’s and doctorate in philosophy. The more Hruby learned about feminism, the more her desire grew to share the information with others. “I wanted what I was learning in my courses to be more readily accessible to my friends and communities,” she said. “That’s when I began writing more about feminist ideas and values.” Hruby’s desire to teach others about feminism, paired with her love for writing, eventually sparked the idea for her recently published book, Fifty Feminist Mantras. The book is an illustrated journal filled with 50 memorable phrases and words about feminism. Along with each mantra comes a guided reflection and prompt to help readers digest the material and apply it to S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

“I’ve always loved figuring out my thoughts and feelings on the page. I took a lot of creative writing courses at Meredith that really helped me explore different genres and styles.” — Amelia Hruby, ’13

Joni Smith Wickham, ’03 Author of The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch Government and politics have been of interest to Joni Wickham, ’03, ever since she can remember. After graduating from Meredith with a degree in political science, she went on to earn her master’s from the University of Missouri. From there, she began her career working in a variety of offices and campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. Wickham spent eight years of her political career working for the mayor’s office in Kansas City, Missouri, six of which she served as chief of staff. During her tenure, she directed public policy initiatives, managed communications, and advised on key decisions, all while supporting important issues surrounding women in leadership. Though serving as chief of staff gave Wickham a seat at the table for many important conversations, it also gave her an up-close look at the harsh reality of local government and how it’s still very much a man’s world. “More often than not, I’ve been the only woman in the room in many meetings, conversations, and events,” she said. “Gender bias and social norms have been so evident to me because it’s been my lived experience, and the experience of many women I’ve worked with.”

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their own lives. Throughout the journal, Hruby left blank pages for readers to reflect through their own writing. “The book is organized in a way that helps readers explore how cultivating feminist values such as empathy, community, imagination, intuition, pleasure, joy, and soft power could radically disrupt the power of patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism,” she said. “It’s a really beautiful book that invites reflection and transformation.” Next to completing her doctorate, publishing Fifty Feminist Mantras is one of Hruby’s proudest professional accomplishments. “Both were years-long journeys that required immense fortitude,” she said. “I wanted to quit many, many times, but I

didn’t because of a combination of strength, will, and community encouragement.” Hruby credits her Meredith education for helping her become a confident writer and scholar. “My time there helped me see my abilities and believe that I could do great things,” she said. “I’m so grateful to my mentors at Meredith and for their ongoing support of my work.” You can pick up a copy of Fifty Feminist Mantras at bookshop.org, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. You can also listen to Hruby on her podcast, Fifty Feminist States, where she explores feminist topics through the lens of gender justice and queer liberation while traveling around the country. Learn more at fiftyfeministstates.com.

Her experience as a woman in a leadership position and her desire to empower other women to pursue similar roles is what inspired Wickham to write her book, The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch. The book offers readers guidance on how to recognize and overcome gender bias in the workplace through real stories and practical advice. “I wanted to write a book detailing insights I’ve gleaned throughout my career – from impostor syndrome, to executive presence, to communication and leadership style,” said Wickham, “and the time was right once I stepped away from the hustle and bustle of City Hall.” The reaction from readers has been unbelievable to Wickham, particularly the fact that it was on Amazon’s best-seller list before it was even released. “I think it shows that both men and women are looking for honest, authentic conversations on this topic,” she said. Alumnae will be interested to know that Wickham actually details many of her own Meredith experiences within the book, as she found them to be extremely formative and instructive in her career. “My experience at Meredith gave me the confidence I needed to get out of my comfort zone and aim high,” she said, “and writing a book is a massive undertaking, so the lessons I learned at Meredith about leadership and

excellence really helped prepare me.” Currently, Wickham runs her own communications firm alongside Sly James, the former mayor for whom she served as chief of staff in Kansas City. Wickham James Strategies & Solutions helps clients with strategic communications, public policy, government relations, political consulting, and legal disputes. The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“More often than not, I’ve been the only woman in the room in many meetings, conversations, and events. Gender bias and social norms have been so evident to me because it’s been my lived experience, and the experience of many women I’ve worked with.” — Joni Smith Wickham, ’03

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Lena Epps Brooker, ’62 Author of Hot Dogs on the Road Growing up an American Indian girl in eastern North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Lena Epps Brooker, ’62, has many stories to tell. She went from being one of 30 American Indian students at her high school to being the first woman of color to graduate from Meredith. From there, Brooker became an elementary school teacher and became well known for her service in organizations supporting women, diversity, and the arts. But before making history, Brooker had to overcome the pain of growing up during a time of lawful segregation. Because her community was home to an almost equal percentage of people with white, Black, and Brown heritages, she lived under specific laws separating the three groups of people, making for a social environment that was extremely divisive and wounding. As Brooker navigated the world outside of her home in rural Robeson county, she found that many people were, and still are, unaware of the struggles she faced growing up as an American Indian. She knew it was important for the whole truth to be told about what the world was like during Jim Crow, and she knew she had the power to make that happen by sharing her story. And despite all the obstacles she faced living in a racist society, Brooker believed that she could embrace and embody an optimistic vision of the future. This optimism and desire to tell the full truth is what ultimately inspired Brooker to write her memoir, Hot Dogs On The Road. The book, published in 2017, features a collection of personal stories and reflections about what it was like to “grow up brown in a black and white world.” One of Brooker’s greatest motivators for putting the pen to paper was her two daughters and her grandchildren. More than anyone, she wanted them to know the full story of her life. “My daughters knew about parts of my growing up but not much about the big challenges, the tears, and the triumphs,” she said. “I wanted them to know both the facts and feelings, because both are always involved when discrimination and oppression occur.”

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Brooker also wanted her heirs to know how her parents supported her and taught her how to react to ignorance, insults, and injustice. “Their responses resulted in my positive self-esteem and my lifelong commitment to believing that all people deserve respect,” she said. “I wanted to make certain that my children and grandchildren understood why that’s so important to me.” Being that American Indians have historically been subjected to stereotypes and discrimination in books, movies, and the minds of many, this book was an opportunity for Brooker to change the narrative around her heritage. “The majority of books written about us have glossed over or omitted many facts,” she said. “We were, for many years, lost in the cracks of a black and white society.” Since publishing the book, Brooker has had the opportunity to host readings, signings, and discussions at different events all across the state. In 2019, it was added to the shelves of Carlyle Campbell Library at Meredith. “It’s especially touching that Dr.

Campbell, the president of the College at the time and the man the library is named after, was the one who made it possible for me to graduate from Meredith as the first person of color,” she said. Considering Brooker didn’t even feel confident in her writing skills upon arriving at Meredith over 60 years ago, the fact that her book now sits on the shelves of the library is a powerful symbol of her perseverance. “As a freshman, I barely passed English,” she said. “My academic background wasn’t on the same level as many of my classmates. But learning good study habits and having a few very supportive professors made my studies successful.” Brooker may even set out to write a second book, perhaps a sequel to the first one or an inspirational piece on her late husband’s battle with cancer. Learn more about her life story by reading her book, Hot Dogs On The Road, available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

$20,000 MERIT SCHOLARSHIP MAKES AN IMPACT By Cailyn Whitman, ’18

1. Bringing a lasting effect. Making a difference within your community. 2. Leaving something better than the way it was found. 3. Improving the world around you. Helping others. 4. To make a positive difference in someone’s life.

IMP CT SCHOLARSHIP

ccording to some of the first-ever recipients of Meredith’s Impact Scholarship, these are all definitions of what it means to make an impact. In 2019, Meredith College announced the launch of a new $20,000 merit scholarship guarantee. The motivation behind funding the scholarship was to help more qualified undergraduate women afford a high quality college education. “Impact scholarships will help ensure a Meredith College education is accessible to more women with the power to bring about positive change in their workplaces, communities, and families,” President Jo Allen said when the scholarship was first announced. The current freshman class was the first to have the opportunity to receive the scholarship, which was awarded to all first-year applicants who had a 3.3 unweighted GPA and an 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score. A total of 175 students in the class of 2024 received the scholarship, making their degree more affordable and in turn, making their chance to have an impact on the world more attainable. This inaugural group of Impact Scholarship recipients has certainly faced unexpected challenges in their first year at Meredith, but with their first semester behind them, it’s clear they have already begun to blaze a trail for others who receive the scholarship in the future. Keep reading to learn how these students are making an impact on campus.

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ALEXANDRIA CRANK, ’24

lexandria Crank, ’24, believes that making an impact is about improving the world around you. As a psychology major on a pre-med track, she has a desire to help others the way Meredith has helped her. “Meredith has helped me grow stronger, advocate for myself better, and increased my confidence,” she said. Though her first year has been difficult because of her struggle with chronic pain, Crank is comforted by the fact that she feels valued by Meredith. Receiving the Impact Scholarship made her feel like her strengths were something worth investing in. “I feel like Meredith really cares about me,” she said. Crank is also in the Honors Program and serves as a class representative. She is currently involved with the psychology club and plans to join other health professional clubs as she gets more acquainted with campus. “My goals are to do the best I can, challenge myself, and to grow,” she said.

“Meredith has helped me grow stronger, advocate for myself better, and increased my confidence.”

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“I know that this scholarship will mean just as much to the future students who will receive it, and I am proud to be among the first.” TAMARA BOMPARTE, ’24

n her first few months at Meredith, Tamara Bomparte, ’24, has already learned so much about where she wants to go in life and who she wants to be. Because Meredith saw her as someone capable of making an impact, she’s been empowered to branch out of her comfort zone. “More than adjusting to academics, I was worried about finding friends in college, especially during the times we are living in,” said Bomparte. “So I am proud of the way I have joined clubs and made new friends, because that has always been more difficult for me than doing well academically.” As a member of the Honors Program, Meredith Hues, and the Big Sis/Little Sis program, Bomparte’s opportunities to make an impact stretch far and wide across campus. She is majoring in English so she can pursue her interest in writing, which grants her yet another opportunity to have an impact on others. Being among the first group of students to receive the Impact Scholarship means a great deal to Bomparte because it afforded her the opportunity to attend what she calls her “dream school” and get the best college experience possible.

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“This scholarship is a huge reason that I can afford to attend this college and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.” MICHAELA MURRELL, ’24

ichaela Murrell, ’24, has already declared her major in accounting, developed relationships with her professors, and connected with recruiters through virtual networking events – all within her first year at Meredith. “I feel very honored to have received this scholarship and I want to show my gratitude by working hard academically and succeeding in my future career so that I can one day give back to Meredith College,” said Murrell. Murrell is also the freshman memberat-large for SGA, a Meredith Hues member, and a member of the Summer Reading Program committee. Her goals for the rest of her time on campus include building new friendships, being accepted into the Broyhill Business Fellows Program, and studying abroad in Spain. With the financial help of the Impact Scholarship, these goals feel within her reach. “This scholarship is a huge reason that I can afford to attend this college and I will forever be grateful for that opportunity,” she said.

Watch how the Impact Scholarship is helping students get the most out of their Meredith experience.

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JESSIE HARRINGTON, ’24

essie Harrington, ’24, is another example of a recipient who is making good on the promise of the Impact Scholarship. Harrington knows the importance of help and how even the smallest of gestures can have a big impact. To her, making an impact means leaving everything better than the way you found it, whether that means pushing in a chair or making someone smile. As Harrington hopes to become a high school history teacher after graduation, her outlook on what it means to make an impact will serve her well. She is also a Teaching Fellow and member of the Honors Program, and hopes to one day join the Extra Theatre Company on campus. “Meredith has allowed me to become more independent and branch out,” said Harrington. “I have already been able to make friends and connections that I know will last a lifetime. These connections, particularly those with her professors, have allowed Harrington to make a smooth transition into college – despite an ongoing pandemic and her struggle with anxiety. “I have had incredible help from professors in overcoming my anxiety surrounding the big change,” she said. Harrington is grateful to be a recipient of the Impact scholarship and says it’s one of the main reasons she was able to attend Meredith. “Without that financial support, it would have been a lot harder to come here,” she said. “I hope that it continues to provide the same security to future students.”

These are just a few examples of how Impact Scholarship recipients from the Class of 2024 are getting the most out of their opportunity to attend Meredith. The program has been extended for the incoming Class of 2025 with hopes to provide even more qualified students with a promising future. Learn how to make a gift to fund scholarships for students like Michaela, Jessie, Alexandria, and Tamara at meredith.edu/support.

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CAMPUS

HELPING ARTISTS FIND THEIR VOICES

NEWS

By Gaye Hill

handler Snipe, ’15, has always had the soul of an artist. Growing up she took endless art classes, explored photography after her yearbook teacher noticed her “eye,” and studied drama at a high school for the arts. Today, she helps other artists find their voices as the first outside curator for Charlotte Arts League (CAL) and a teacher for Studio 345.

A Strong Start at Meredith

Chandler Snipe, ’15

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Snipe always knew she would go to college, but wasn’t sure where. After meeting an admissions counselor who came to her high school, she decided she wanted to go to Meredith; in fact, it was the only school she applied to. “They were so welcoming,” she said. “They made me feel like Meredith would be missing something if I weren’t there.” She was awarded an art scholarship, but Meredith didn’t offer a major in photography. “My mom told me, ‘you’re good at computers – try graphic design.’ So I majored in graphic design and minored in photography.” All of her faculty members shaped her experience. Her photography professor introduced her to scanography, while another taught her to love typography, a passion she now shares with her own students. But Snipe said Beth Mulvaney, department head and professor of art, had the biggest impact.

Following the killing of George Floyd, Snipe managed a large-scale mural project highlighted in the documentary “Building Bridges Through Painting.”

“During my junior year, I had my review. She told me I was not reaching my full potential and she knew I could do better,” said Snipe. “I threw myself into my craft and had amazing results.” Mulvaney remembers Snipe’s skill as an artist, particularly her sense of color, which she describes as “both bold and sensitive.” Mulvaney also remembers Snipe’s obvious leadership qualities. “I am not surprised to see her in this type of role,” said Mulvaney. “Chandler was an engaging personality who wasn’t afraid to speak up about topics in class or to stop by and chat with me in my office,” she said. “The people of Charlotte are fortunate to have her as a leader in the arts.” As the sole Black student in her class to graduate with an art degree, Snipe said she was often the only Black student in her classes. Such experiences taught her how to occupy spaces she might not necessarily be comfortable in, which prepared her for similar experiences in her career. “I’ve typically been the only Black female in my work spaces,” she said. “One of my goals is to change that; when I leave, I don’t want to be the only one working in these spaces.” President Jo Allen, ’80, also had an

impact on her Meredith experience. Snipe’s work was featured in a juried art show that was held in the Johnson Hall Rotunda her senior year. As Allen was walking by, she stopped when she saw Snipe’s piece, which was based on Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “The Bells.” Allen told Snipe she wanted to purchase it. It was a pivotal moment for her, both as an artist and a Meredith student. “That’s when I realized that people understand and they want to hear my voice,” she said. “Something about that piece really drew her. It showed me I was doing something right.” Today, her art hangs in the Oak Room in Lower Belk, which means a little piece of her remains at Meredith. “I was concerned about that as a Black female,” she said. “I wondered, what stamp have I left on Meredith? Have I done what I was supposed to do? But in that moment I was like, here we are.”

Called to Serve As a senior at Meredith, Snipe had an internship at a nearby community afterschool program. After the first day, she called her mother and told her she didn’t think it was the right fit. “The kids didn’t listen to anything I had

to say. I’m a pretty straightforward person and good at taking charge, but they just ran over me,” she said. “My mom told me to stick with it.” Snipe began giving her students rules and structure, and gradually introduced art projects. To her surprise, they loved it. “We tie-dyed everything!” she laughed. “Socks. Everything you could possibly tiedye. We made string art. We had a Black history art contest that we won making a paper quilt. I saw a change in them being active and coming to the program.” In the end, she received an award for being the most creative director, and it was a life-changing experience – because she couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened had her students, who were mostly Black and came from an underserved community, been introduced to art earlier. “That’s when I realized I needed to find a way to mesh my love for art and community.” That desire to become a change maker was confirmed as she progressed through her career. When working as the lead graphic designer for a sportswear company, she designed jerseys for the NFL Raiders when they had community events. S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

Charlotte Art League studio/gallery on Raleigh St. in Charlotte, N.C.

“I could make them look good because of my skill set – I know how to design – but I didn’t feel like I was really making an impact.” She decided to go back to school to earn her Master’s degree in nonprofit management and leadership from Walden University, a degree she completed in May 2020.

Forever An Artist In addition to working as a curator and teaching, Snipe continues to feed her own artistic energy with a successful freelance

graphic design business. She has designed for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Youth Empowered Solutions (YES), among others. And although she doesn’t spend as much time on her photography these days, she did a show a few years ago that highlighted relationships between single Black mothers and their children. “I drew on the experience of being raised by my mother,” she said. “I think being a single parent creates a unique bond.” Snipe’s family was extremely supportive

of her interest in the arts, especially her grandmother and her mother. “My grandmother loved culture, art, and knowing where you came from,” she said. “She’s the one who taught me how to crochet and sew, and was big on teaching me about my history as an African American woman.” Her mother was an exceptional athlete who realized early on that her daughter was not meant for sports. “She kept me in a creative mind,” she said. “My mom didn’t have a creative bone in her body but she encouraged me. She knew what worked for me and put her all into it.”

Empowering Other Artists At this stage in her career, Snipe has embraced her ability to encourage other artists to find their own voices. As a teacher at Studio 345, she enjoys helping her students grow. She is especially proud of two of her students who went on to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). As CAL’s first Offsite Exhibits Curator, Snipe has made her mark on the nonprofit as well as the larger Charlotte community.

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“Chandler is always looking for opportunities to connect artists to our community, and community to the public eye,” said Kate McAllister, director of operations for CAL. “Through our CAL Curates program, Chandler listens to the desires of the client and appropriately pairs artists with clients, with a special emphasis on showcasing meaningful work.” That meaningful work took on a new sense of urgency in May 2020. “After the George Floyd killing I didn’t know what to do with my voice, but I thought, I have to find a way to be creative.” An opportunity emerged when one of her clients with the Goldman Sachs building in Charlotte reached out to her. They didn’t want the window protection they put up during the Black Lives Matter protests to feel cold or send the wrong message. In response, she partnered with artist DeNeer Davis to coordinate a significant mural commission for Uptown Charlotte. “We had the whole community come out. It was what I would call beautiful chaos,” she said. “We created around 120 panels. The work varied on the scale of experience. Some had worked on the biggest buildings in Charlotte, while others were just starting out.” That project immersed her in the arts scene and allowed her to forge new connections with local artists. Since the initial effort, CAL has held a popup gallery in downtown Charlotte and an auction. And the Mint Museum bought one of the panels for its permanent collection. As for Snipe, her long-term plans include leading a nonprofit performing arts center, but for now, she is finding great satisfaction in her work as a curator. “The best thing about me being in this position is being an artist myself. I know what it’s like wanting to be heard. I’m going to continue to be creative, use my voice, and be an advocate for artists.”

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Meredith Philanthropy Making an Impact

Donors Support Facility Enhancements

eredith College has seen remarkable changes on campus throughout the years. Facility improvements enable students, faculty, and staff to learn, conduct research, and create memories. In the past 10 years, a number of spaces have been renovated because alumnae and friends gave to areas that hold a special meaning. This year more changes are taking place because of donor support. “Our friends have made gifts that remind us Meredith is a special place that is worthy of investments,” said President Jo Allen. “And just when things feel a bit quiet on campus, we are thrilled to hear the sounds of construction equipment. These gifts are even more precious because of the pandemic and because the projects they fund remind our students, faculty, and staff that we are a strong community that will rebound from these dark days and enjoy a brighter future.”

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Meredith Lake In March 2017, the iconic Meredith Lake that is enjoyed by Meredith students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and visitors drained because of erosion of pipes and plumbing. Completed in 1964, McIver Amphitheater, on the west side of Meredith Lake, is the site of classes, productions, small

gatherings, and other activities. The lake has also served as a valuable on-campus resource for students conducting undergraduate research and the lake water was used to irrigate Meredith’s grounds. After the lake drained, the Meredith Fund decided to have their annual Meredith Mayhem competition, held in May and June, raise funds for the lake. Alumnae gifts along with an anonymous matching gift raised $500,000. “Our alumnae classes really rallied to support the Meredith Lake project,” said Erin Cleghorn, director of The Meredith Fund. “Some donors made their third or fourth gift to the College that year in order to support the restoration. We were incredibly humbled and grateful for their generosity.” Meredith was ready to move forward with restoring the serene spot on campus, but there were unforeseen obstacles. “Those early gifts, we thought, would surely provide the funding needed. New

building codes, designations, and permits showed us the error of those thoughts,” said President Allen. “With the sad news that the lake’s projected renovation costs would be more than three times the original estimates (thanks to special materials, enhanced procedures, and other code-related requirements), we thought we were doomed. But three anonymous donors stepped forward to make up the

These two items are given in memory of Falk’s father, David Falk, Sr., a former Board of Associates member at Meredith. “The amphitheater is a special place on campus and is a very pretty area that all enjoy. After it was decided that the small island at the amphitheater was the perfect place for the statue, we realized that some renovations needed to happen,” said Falk. “I am appreciative of my class

Landscape Design by Aaron Schettler, Meredith College Grounds Manager

difference in cost and to ensure future generations of Meredith students, faculty, and staff would have the lake as the idyllic backdrop to their experiences here at the College.” Also, during the renovation, the small island will be completely restored to a beautiful spot for people to visit because of a gift from Kellie Falk, ’85, and her classmates. After completion, the island will have a new bridge, bulkhead, and spaces to sit and reflect. There will also be a weeping willow, Falk’s father’s favorite tree, and a bronze statue by sculptor Richard Hallier of a girl with doves that was at her father’s home.

for joining me and raising money to make this area a place people will want to visit.” Construction has begun at the lake and work will continue in 2021 with hopes that the project will be completed by the fall of 2021.

Nutrition Lab The Nutrition Lab located in Martin Hall has served the needs of students for decades. Those needs of Meredith’s food and nutrition majors have changed as they have become more entrepreneurial and focused on a commercial food service environment instead of a homebased curriculum. The renovated nutrition

lab will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that will simulate the environment they will work with outside of Meredith in areas such as nutrition education, sales, food service management, public policy or health fields, and the local and sustainable food industry. It will also help students prepare to take the national professional examination to become a registered dietitian. Roy Nifong, father of Marianne Nifong Raker, ’72, who was a home economics major at Meredith, made a gift to redesign the Nutrition Lab. Nifong has been a supporter of Meredith since 1968 when Raker entered Meredith. The gift is in memory of his wife and Raker’s mother, Grace. Raker says she and her father want Meredith students to have the latest technology available to help in the preparation they need to compete in today’s world. “My parents always considered education a top priority. They love Meredith for all that it provides students, giving guidance for their adult lives and careers,” said Raker. The new space will provide a more open feeling between the classroom space and the actual kitchen. Movable shelving units allow ease of flexibility when teaching and learning. A large pantry, walk-in freezer and refrigerators, three restaurant-grade ranges, convection oven, induction range with oven, multiple sinks, dishwasher, and many more amenities are included in the new industrial kitchen. “Our food and nutrition students, as well as our hospitality management students, will experience real-world applications of course content by using the renovated food lab to standardize recipes, become familiar with commercial equipment, and prototype new food concepts,” said Rachel Findley, director of the didactic program in dietetics. “This environment will provide a strong base for our students to establish themselves in a variety of careers.”

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Meredith Philanthropy Making an Impact Chapel Renovations Jones Chapel was completed in 1982. The Chapel was the vision of the Class of 1928. They wanted to raise money for a 50th-anniversary gift and initially raised $50,000, which gave the momentum needed to build a chapel on campus. The 13,000 square foot chapel seats about 400 people. The Chaplain has Wednesday Chapel service each week and it is available for weddings and other events. Little work had been done to the Cha-

food pantry will also undergo renovations to allow for the kitchen to function more as a catering kitchen for events and the Daisy Trade will be allocated a better space. “One of the things we know is that most people enjoy being outside in wellmaintained, open space. We have always thought we could use some extra space for events, and with the pandemic closing many of our typical sites for community gatherings, that realization became even more obvious,” said Allen. “The Scott family has also taken considerable inter-

pel since it was built but that changed in 2020. Several improvements including paint, new carpet, new sanctuary windows, updates to the bridal suite, and fresh paint on the outside including the doors, columns, and trim have occurred.

est in the educational quality of Meredith, funding a scholarship that will support deserving students, as well as the vibrant community life we enjoy.” According to Mary Emma Scott, Jeannette Scott’s cousin and executor

will provide space for weddings, reunions, classes, showers and parties, small concerts, cookouts, student organization meetings and events, and more. The kitchen and Daisy Trade campus

interested in ministry and that led her

women’s rights and equality for women in a day when it was not so popular. She decided many years ago to leave the benefits of her life’s work to Meredith College. She loved Meredith with her whole heart. She thought it was the best place in the world for a woman to get an education.”

Athletic Facilities Athletics at Meredith has grown exponentially in the past ten years, as four new varsity sports programs have been added. These programs attract additional students who attend Meredith and thus support two critical pieces of

the College’s success: enrollment and retention. As part of this growth, the Athletic Field and Track Complex was opened in 2009 and is home to Meredith’s soccer, lacrosse, track and field, and cross country teams. The complex includes a lighted competition-level track and a FieldTurf artificial playing surface capable of supporting soccer and lacrosse games. In 2019 a new turf field was installed. Recently, a donor sign was installed highlighting those who have given to the complex and naming opportunities that are still available such as the soccer field, field house, stands, press box, and scoreboard. “Adding this many sports in such a short period of time often makes it difficult to keep up with the athletic facilities and Rendered by Jaison VanHorn (JT’s Landscaping) infrastructure necessary to maintain the competitive success of such programs,” of her will, Jeannette wanted to be able In 2021, the Chapel Common Room said Jackie Myers, athletic director. will be renovated with french doors lead- to help young women who might other- “Providing facilities that equal or exceed wise find it difficult financially to get a ing to a new outdoor patio that will be the quality of our conference opponents constructed on the back of Jones Cha- college education at Meredith. allows our coaches to keep that rec“Jeannette was a good woman. She pel thanks to a gift from the estate of ruiting edge.” was a Christian woman. She was always Jeannette Scott, ’54. The outdoor area

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to attend seminary. While there she obtained a job at the bookstore where she remained as manager for the remainder of her working career. She believed in

Parents Raising Funds for Carroll Hall

During the pandemic, students have relied on the Health, Counseling, and Disability Services more than ever to help

them through this challenging time. In the 2019-20 school year (when most students left campus in March), the services found in Carroll Hall saw record numbers: over 1,000 student health visits were held (up 17% from 2018-19), 15.7% of students received counseling services, and 14% of students used Disability Services. In the fall 2020 semester, the Counseling Center saw a 157% increase in demand for services. This increased demand for services offered in Carroll Hall has put a spotlight on the many improvements that are needed within the building such as a new HVAC system, an electronic health record system, additional staff, renova-

Cannon has been a long-time supporter of Meredith College, providing grants for more than 20 years. Past grants have funded renovations to the Weatherspoon Physical Education building, a campus facilities master plan, and submetering of campus.

“We wanted to do something special for our 40th Class Reunion and decided that doing something in honor of President Allen, our classmate, would be meaningful,” said Karen Maness Stone, ‘80. “The idea of the bench came about since it would be long lasting and we wanted it to be in a special place. The location we chose between the residence halls and the academic buildings is a place students pass each day.”

New Academic Building Update Meredith College announced in 2019 that a new academic building would be built to provide cutting-edge instructional

tions to make rooms ADA compliant, and new carpeting Carroll Hall is long overdue for a makeover, so the Parents project this year is raising funds for Carroll Hall. The building is a hub for all students and anyone can make a gift. Contact Kim Whitley, parents gift officer at kimwhitley@meredith.edu or visit community.meredith.edu/parentsfund to make a gift to Carroll Hall.

Class of 1980 Bench Dedication

Faircloth Residence Hall Roof

work at Meredith and show students

In the summer of 2020, the Faircloth roof was replaced with funding support from a grant by the Cannon Foundation.

now and in the future that President Allen

The Class of 1980 raised funds for a bench in honor of their classmate President Jo Allen. The class wanted to show their support and appreciation of her

walked this path as a student and now as president of Meredith.

space for Meredith’s growing communication and exercise and sport science programs. The building is currently in the planning and permitting phase. There will be naming opportunities available.

Visit the Campus Growth website, meredith.edu/campus-growth, to see progress photos of these construction projects. Your gifts help accomplish these renovations and because of supporters like you, we are able to have these new and innovative spaces on campus.

Support Meredith Gifts to Meredith College make an impact on every student, faculty, and staff member. You make a difference and keep Meredith going strong! Visit the newly designed meredith.edu/support to learn about ways to support Meredith. Make a gift that addresses the College’s greatest needs, select a more specific way to make an immediate impact on the College, make a long-term, endowed gift, or a gift through your will or trust. Would you like to volunteer? Learn about future events? Connect with other alumnae through the Meredith Mentors program? Visit meredith.edu/support for more information or to find an Institutional Advancement staff member to assist you. To make a gift, visit community.meredith.edu/supportmc.

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ALUMNAE

CONNECTION Class notes and news for Meredith Alumnae 1954 Barbara Jones Cummings is well and truly thankful for her iPhone, iPad, and Zoom that keep her in touch with her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, as well as connected to activities at the N.C. Zoo and the Greensboro History Museum, two of her favorite places to volunteer. Cummings’ retirement community friends are also a wonderful blessing. The big numbers on her birthday cake though are astonishing. It’s so good to keep in touch! Anne Clark Dahle writes that this pandemic has captured us all. She is using a walker and losing her eyesight so her life is different. She is still able to take a class at Meredith by Zoom on Wednesday mornings. She is also able to get audiobooks from the N.C. Library for the Blind on Audible. Dahle also shares that they take good care of their residents at the Cardinal at North HIlls in Raleigh, N.C. After Meredith, Barbara White De Louise moved to New York City to attend Columbia University for graduate study in history, and subsequently stayed in the area to teach history in high school. She married a New Yorker, Richard De Louise, an economist, and remained in the area for a number of years to be near his work. Later they moved to live in Bethesda, Md., when her husband’s work brought him there, and since his death, De Louise has remained in the area to live near her daughter, Amy, and her family, which includes husband, John Bader, and sons, Calvin and Eli. De Louise sold their house in Bethesda and moved nearby to a small retirement facility named Kensington Park, where she enjoys participating in all the activities: the daily exercise class, the daily

discussion of the news, and the opportunity to watch

Melissa Matthews Jones has moved many times,

films, both foreign and American. When the weather

usually within the state of Florida, since graduating

is nice, she watches her younger grandson, a high

a semester early and moving there. She has gained

school senior, play baseball on the nearby athletic

three children, a divorce, a master’s degree from

field. Her older grandson graduated Summa Cum

Rollins College, and over 20 years of teaching in

Laude from college this past spring. De Louise’s

Orange County schools. She has six grandchildren

daughter produces films for nonprofit organizations

and eight great-grandchildren. Jones has now

and her son-in-law heads the Fulbright Association,

been retired longer than she taught. Because of the

which awards grants for study abroad. This note

pandemic, Jones no longer volunteers; in fact, she

comes with her best wishes to all of her classmates.

reports that she has not done much of anything for

Dot White Hartley writes that these notes were sent

many months. Her years at Meredith are a pleasant

before Thanksgiving 2020 when we were all trying

memory to help keep her company. She also writes

to stay safe from the virus. She has finally finished

that she is in very good health and hopes each of

the quilt for her new great-granddaughter. Hartley

you are. Theresa Raynor Tayloe writes that it has

likes doing the sudoku every day in The Washington

been two years since her husband, Bobby, passed

Post. She has also been going through slides taken

away. She misses him, but he had been declining

before she had a digital camera to determine which

since open-heart surgery that did not go well and

few to scan. While doing so, she has enjoyed reliving

is now in a much better place. Tayloe’s life is pretty

her family of four sons hiking down to the bottom

boring now with the pandemic. She has developed

of the Grand Canyon. A few years later, they went

some health issues that she can’t get over, and that

island hopping the Greek Isles with backpacks. She

holds her back from even emailing or calling friends.

notes that they saw few Americans and certainly

She loves reading but that is hard to do with her

not many in their 50s as she and her husband,

head issues and so it goes. Tayloe loved when she

Bob, were and that their sons never refused a

could volunteer at the hospital and library as well as

trip. Hartley also talked to Lyn Belton Bonahue,

be active within her church. She is not able to sew

and she would love to have a call from any of

any more either. She writes that this is sometimes

you. Bonahue is spending her time working on a

depressing but that she tries to keep on each day

puzzle of North Carolina. Joanne Brown Herring’s

with God as her leader. Tayloe hopes that you stay

daughter, Ashley Herring Farley, ‘87, is the hybrid

safe and keep those Meredith angel wings flapping!

author of 20 novels. Her most recent title, Only

Betty Smith Thompson has had to accept and

One Life, won the Virginia Romance Writer HOLT

make adjustments over the last few years because of

Medallion Award in two categories. Farley’s books

the onset of post-polio syndrome, which now causes

are available for purchase at most online retailers.

a loss of mobility and independence. Thompson had

Compiled by the Office of Alumnae Relations from August 20, 2020 - November 9, 2020. Information may be edited for space limitations and content restrictions. Submit class notes online at meredith.edu/alumnae, by email at alumnae@meredith.edu, or by phone to the Office of Alumnae Relations at (919) 760-8548. Deadline for the Summer 2021 issue is March 22, 2021. Submissions received after this date will appear in the Fall 2021 issue.

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polio at age five, and by the age of about 20 years, she had recovered most of her physical strength. She never expected to be so severely limited at this stage of life. Thompson says she is fortunate to have help in her home and is blessed with a strong, active husband of 66 years there with her. She is also thankful to have children in Southern California, who are not far away, and access to excellent medical care. When the pandemic started, she had already adjusted to more time at home. Work with the League of Women Voters, her local women’s club, and Long Beach AAUW keeps her in touch with friends and community. Thompson hopes you stay safe and looks forward to hugs and visits together in the future! Alyce Epley Walker is still as involved as she can be with real estate. Walker writes that it has been a wonderful career for her, using all of the talents she could muster! Walker’s wonderful companion cat of 14 years died last February, and she has truly felt alone with this pandemic upon us. She is considering a move to a beautiful lake in Alabama to live with her best friend of long ago. Walker’s best friend lost her husband and is now alone, too. If she is able to make this move, Walker shares that it will be the first time in her life that she has slowed down. She prays God will give her just a little more time to smell the roses! She sends love and best wishes to her Meredith companions and

Meredith Travel Program Update

thanks you for the memories.

1963 Mary Lou Morgan Agrow and her husband, Keith,

have had an amazingly good year. They spent six months in Florida and then drove straight through, with only two gas stops on the way back, to Virginia, Deltaville, and the Chesapeake Bay. Agrow swam most days in the summer, though she did have to take a break because of a rosebush attack while she was weeding. She got septicemia and spent four days in the hospital but is now doing fine! In July, the Agrows had their oldest daughter, Britt,

The Meredith Travel Program is alive and well, just hibernating. And longing for the time when we can travel again, which, thanks to promising news about the vaccine, no longer seems like a dream! After surveying some of our regular travelers, we decided to postpone our 2020 tours to 2022. That means we will be traveling to Southwest England in June of 2022 and Northern Italy in September of 2022. That said, we are fantasizing that IF the vaccine leaves us all feeling comfortable by summer 2021, we MIGHT decide in June to offer a trip to France in the fall of 2021. Key words: IF and MIGHT. Join us as we cross our fingers. We’ll send out email communication as soon as we know. Contact Denise Parker at dpparker@meredith.edu with any questions.

and her husband, Jesh Sniderman, and their three daughters, Angevin (14), Reval (12), and Petra Gray (6), visit from Massachusetts. August brought their Colorado daughter and her husband, Joel, with their two boys, Max (7) and Fin (5), and dog, Jolene! September brought a visit from their youngest, Kent, and wife, Isa, and their two children, Morgan (4)

meredith.edu/alumnae

and Walter (1). Agrow writes that all of the kids are swimming with the exception of the one year old, S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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and she and “Grandy’’ were always in the water with

semi-retired licensed clinical social worker. She has

Baptist on Fifth in Winston-Salem, N.C., began early

them! What a joyful summer! This was even more

been doing grief groups at First Presbyterian Church

on offering various Zoom meetings throughout each

time than they normally have with their family, so they

in Spartanburg, S.C. for eight years. Rickell also

week. She reports that many of those who participate

were thrilled. Agrow and her husband will soon return

does what is called Workplace Disruption Events,

agree this has actually helped them get to know one

to Florida for warm weather and more swimming!

where a therapist is called in to offer support for

another better as they see church friends more often

Martha Spence Blount in many ways has enjoyed

employees who have suffered some trauma such

than they ordinarily would. Another plus of being at

having a less busy schedule. On the other hand, she

as death, accident, or robbery. Rickell is the Ethics

home all the time is that Stewart has started painting

really misses seeing people. She is so happy that

Chair on the board of the Society of Clinical Social

again. Painting had pretty much dropped out of her

Zoom was developed. Blount attends church on

Work for South Carolina. She is also the secretary of

life with so many places to go and “important” things

Zoom and several of her groups are holding virtual

the Health Committee at First Presbyterian Church.

to do. She is also pleased to have time to read as

meetings. She joined the Meredith Virtual Alumnae

On October 10, 2020, Rickell celebrated her 56th

much as she would like. Stewart prays for each of

Book Club and writes that it has been nice to meet

Anniversary with Gene Rickell. She has been running

you and your families. Stay safe, stay well.

alumnae from classes much later than hers. Blount

a nursing home at home for six years, as Gene is

also finished a quilt that she first started in 2004.

severely handicapped with Parkinson’s, muscle

1970

She can hardly wait to resume traveling. Bryna

wasting illness, and a touch of dementia. Rickell

Janet Morris Belvin writes that 14 members of

Barrett Bozart-Barnes is retired from The Charlotte

has two sons. Tom lives in Seattle, Wash., with his

the Class of 1970, who call themselves the Raleigh

Spirituality Center, which she founded and continues

wife, Harmony, and their daughter, Melody, who is a

Crew, met on the lawn beside Jones Chapel for a

to be delighted in its ongoing contribution in the faith

Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master. David lives in

socially distanced picnic lunch on November 4. The

communities in Charlotte, N.C. Bozart-Barnes has

Atlanta, Ga. with his wife, Kate, and their sons, Charlie

purpose of the luncheon was to honor the memory

most recently welcomed grandsons Cayden and

and Eli, who prefer sports to academics! Rickell also

of their dearly loved classmate Peggy Timmerman

Tennyson. Joyce Tripp Miller writes that since March

shares that she was dinner chair of her high school

Carter, who passed away on October 21, 2020. In

she has stayed connected by zooming with several

class’s 60th Anniversary last June; 120 attendees

attendance were Cathy Moran Winstead, Mary Ann

interesting groups: one studying the Episcopal

for Greensboro High School. FUN! Nancy Stephens

Fleming Yarborough, Emma Ruth Bartholomew

Church’s curriculum called “Sacred Ground,” a small

Sears has experienced a surprise year even before

Stewart, Ruth Talton Watson, Nancy Williams

group on reimagining policing, and her wonderful

COVID-19. In the fall of 2019, she was diagnosed

Prevatt, Phyllis Jeffreys Culbreth, Donna Burgess

ladies’ book group. Life during COVID-19 has also

with ovarian cancer, had surgery in November 2019,

Lupo, Carolyn Langhorne Pittman, Martha

given her time to clean out her pantry plus all of the

and five months of chemotherapy in 2020. Sears

Kincheloe, Jeannie Lindsay Martin, Cindy Griffith

drawers in the house, and she’s now ready to do

reports that she had a good experience with chemo

McEnery, Sue Hammons Cook, Jaime Thomas

it all again. She has put together a zillion puzzles,

treatments with the exception of having to stay at

Combs, and Janet Morris Belvin (who came down

read lots of books (the best one: This Tender Land

home. In June of this year, she was pronounced free

from Virginia). After hearing a report from Emma

by William Kent Krueger), and spent a weekend

of cancer! Sears now takes a “stay away” medication

Ruth Stewart on the state of our Scholarship Fund,

with her husband in the North Georgia mountains

each day hoping to prevent the return of the “C

they remembered their friend Peggy with a prayer

in a secluded cabin near Blue Ridge. Miller shares,

word” for a few years. God has blessed her and

and shared memories of their times together, as well

though, that the highlight of the last six months

her family again! Sears’ family keeps growing: nine

as a rousing rendition of Cigarettes, Whiskey and

has been seeing her grandchildren, whose parents

great-grandchildren, with three of them in Thailand.

Wild Wild Women, the signature song of Meredith’s

rented an RV and drove nearly 400 miles to visit in

She also has a granddaughter teaching at a Christian

Bathtub Ring. Carter was one of the founding

her driveway. Miller hopes that 2021 will be a better

school in Saipan, an island near Guam. Life is never

members of the group in 1970. Carter’s family sent

year because she is running out of things to do! She

dull around her house! Fran Gorham Stewart writes

each member of the group a watermelon face mask

also wishes peace and good health to everyone in

that it is definitely the “year of the ugly virus.” She

to recall one of her favorite foods. Belvin also shares

the coming year. Mary Fran Carver Perkinson is

has had no travel, no accomplishments, not much

that her ninth granddaughter, Emily Grace Caroline

very proud to finally have another Meredith Angel

of anything. However, it hasn’t been all bad: she is

Bond, was born on October 12, 2020. Katherine

in the family. Her granddaughter, Amy Perkinson,

well, has wonderful friends, and generally a good

Lawing Capps writes that she and her husband,

is in the Master of Science in Nutrition program.

attitude. Stewart tells people that she gets up every

James, just celebrated 50 years of marriage. Capps

Perkinson’s ordinary activities during COVID-19

morning and puts on her smile. A friend has shared

lives in Hilton Head, S.C. She is blessed with two

include putting together puzzles, binge watching The

jigsaw puzzles with her; the 500-piece puzzle was

beautiful grandchildren. Her daughter and son-in-

West Wing, beginning daily meditation, and learning

more difficult than the 2000-piece one, although the

law live in Virginia and are great parents. Capps is

to live one day at a time. Anna Shadoin Rickell is a

larger one took longer to complete. Her church, First

living the good life.

me re d i th.e d u

1973

November 3, 2020. All went well, and she was up to

and has some dings in the bevel, but she can once

Mary Marvin Johnson would like to thank her classmates for all of their well wishes and prayers regarding her medical issues. She has also recently had a minimally invasive total knee replacement and is in awe of the difference between it and the one she had in 2009. No quad or tendon cutting, no narcotics, no need for a walker, and immediate ability to flex. She shares that if any of you need a replacement, it is worth finding someone who does the minimally invasive version! Johnson can hardly wait for a COVID-19 vaccine to be developed and the pandemic to be over so that she can get to N.C. She

normal speed in a month. After 28 years of teaching

again wear her original class ring!

misses and loves you all.

elementary art, Maureen Blankenbeckler is happily retired. She is enjoying a new hip, reading, knitting

1975

socks, and painting blown eggs. Blankenbeckler’s

Mary Lou Jernigan Bowen writes that her family

first grandson, Abel Allen Hogue, turned one year

went through the challenge of planning a wedding

old on November 15, 2020. He is a true joy. Alice

in 2020. The location and size was changed and

Winecoff Clayton ’s Meredith College class ring has

on November 3, her son married the love of his

almost never been off her finger since receiving it in

life. She is thrilled to see him so happy and to now

1973 as a junior. It is very special to her, so when it

have a daughter! Linda McKinnish Bridges is back

had to be snipped off her right ring finger after an

home in women’s education and Winston-Salem,

accident on May 29, 2019, it hurt more deeply than

N.C. She is serving as director of advancement,

her broken bone. It was very disappointing to not be

corporate and foundation relations at Salem

able to wear the ring for the remainder of 2019 and

Academy and College.

nine months of 2020 due to swelling from several surgeries. In late August, with the addition of some

1981

Ceil Watson Blackwell had back surgery to fuse her

gold and other work by a jeweler, it was a joy for

Lori Page Clay welcomed a grandson, Luke Thomas

L4 and L5 vertebrae and remove a synovial cyst on

Clayton to get the ring repaired. It is a bit out of round

Mangini, in June.

1974

Explore Meredith Market’s New Website! Meredith Market has a new, fresh look! We continue to offer the same quality items at a reasonable price, just with added features and functionality. Visit meredithmarket.com to find your favorite items.

Questions? Contact Denise Parker at dpparker@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8051

meredithmarket.com

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[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

AMANDA BROWNING, ’04 Alumna Named N.C. High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 The North Carolina Society of Health and Physical Educators (NC SHAPE) has named Amanda Browning, ’04, the North Carolina High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. As a presenter for the 2019 SHAPE National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Browning has served as a role model for physical educators across the country. In her role as the health and physical education teacher at Weaver Academy in Guilford County, she provides her students with a safe, inclusive learning environment where they can develop their skills and abilities to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Not only does Browning teach her students to take care of their bodies and stay healthy, she also equips them with important skills in refusal, decision making, advocacy, coping, stress management, and goal setting. This focus on empowering students to have a holistic view of their wellness and make informed health decisions is what made Browning a leader in Guilford County for physical education. Her curriculum has been adopted county-wide and has received recognition at the university level as well. Currently, she is working with UNC-Greensboro on developing their “Science of Essential Balance” high school curriculum. In addition to teaching and curriculum development, Browning serves as the Interact Club faculty advisor at Weaver, a service-learning club for students sponsored by the Crescent Rotary Club. She organizes an annual art festival for students with special needs and collaborates with students to plan an annual school-wide walk and fundraiser event to promote heart health. “I have the organizational skills to plan and implement school-wide events,” said Browning. “And seeing students and families active and engaged in physical activities is something I’m always proud to see.” Browning attributes her success as an educator partly to her professors and peers at Meredith. “The small learning community of women allowed me to come out of my shell and develop strong leadership skills,” she said. “My professors made sure I had plenty of hands-on experiences so that I felt prepared when stepping into my own classroom after graduation.” The former Meredith soccer player specifically chose physical education as a career path because of her positive experience as a student-athlete at both the high school and collegiate level. “I saw the positive impact that physical activity had on not just my physical health but on my social, emotional, and mental health as well,” she said. “I wanted to teach young people habits that will improve their health and well-being for a lifetime.”

1984 Emily Craig is the teaching director for the

Georgetown County, S.C., Community Bible Study Class. Jane Harrell Dodd welcomed her first grandchild, Lillie Foy Dodd, on September 3. Susan Kientz Grigg and her husband, Charlie, welcomed

their first grandchild in May, Harper Ann Brown. Sharon Rinker Johnson has been promoted to

HR generalist/office manager with Nexsen Pruet law firm. Lori Robinson Medlin ’s daughter, Mira Medlin, will graduate this year as a member of Meredith’s Class of 2021. Karen Dawson Rosser is a legislative assistant at the N.C. General Assembly. Kathy Gerald Stocks welcomed her first grandchild

on July 20, 2020. She was honored to witness the birth of her new grandson, Shepherd Hayes Tomasik. Carol Brooks Uphoff became a grandmother to

Stella Duke Uphoff, daughter of Erick and Amanda, in December 2019. Stella is a little Angel in training! Uphoff is also enjoying connecting with other Meredith students and alumnae through their professional endeavors. She has helped arrange an Angel’s nutrition field placement with an organization for whom she has volunteered. She has also talked to current social work students and contacted an Angel architect/contractor for personal work. Uphoff continues to tutor students with reading, spelling, and writing challenges now online during COVID-19, and to support exercise and nutrition for senior adults and others through personal training and some on-line classes. She enjoys her volunteer work on the Board of HiddenVoices.org, and as a tutor for the Augustine Literacy Project of the Triangle. After living in Greenville for 25 years, Peggy Overton Vaughan moved to Washington, N.C., in September. Mary Weathers is enjoying retirement and spending

her time split between Durham and Atlantic Beach, N.C. She has a new great-niece. Weathers also has a two-year-old beagle who keeps her very busy!

1986 Following three years of retirement, Laura Bynum Beasley has started a new job at Cape Fear

Academy in Wilmington, N.C., as a second grade teacher assistant. Beasley is loving working with children again, even during this unprecedented time. Her youngest son, Jake, is a freshman at Western Carolina University, so she and her husband are enjoying their temporary empty nest. Georgia

me re d i th.e d u

Parrish James is in her 17th year of teaching high

realtor in Raleigh, N.C. Leah Williams Wright is a

Emmott Foundation, established in 2016, to address

school at Southwest Edgecombe High School in

National Board Certified teacher and retired in 2018

the underrepresentation of women in the highest

Pinetops, N.C. As if remote learning wasn’t enough,

after teaching for 30 years in Wake County. Prior

levels of healthcare leadership and governance.

her daughters planned their weddings, 50 days

to retirement, through her strong faith and passion to

apart, during COVID-19. October and November

help adolescents who struggle with substance use,

1991

were exciting months for the James family! Lori

Wright felt led to start a recovery high school. Projected

Alesha Still McCauley is beginning her 30th year

Stallings Jones’ two sons were married in 2019.

to open in 2021, Wake Monarch Academy will be the

as an educator.

She is happy to have two daughters-in-law!

first recovery high school in the Triangle area.

1988

1990

Dottie Bass Burch, a partner at Ragsdale Liggett,

Michelle White Porter is in her 25th year of selling

Pilot Mountain Board of Commissioners in November

has been selected for inclusion in the 2021 edition

real estate in Greensboro N.C., for Berkshire

2020. She completed chemotherapy and radiation

of the Best Lawyers in America for her practice in

Hathaway Yost and Little Realty. In her spare time, she

for stage 3 breast cancer and is happy to say that

Business and Corporate Law. Less than five percent

enjoys playing tennis, golf, snow skiing, and traveling

she is cancer free today. Collins thanks everyone for

of all U.S. lawyers are included in this edition.

with her son and his lab to participate in field trials

their prayers!

1994 Rachel Gilley Collins was elected to the Town of

and hunt tests. Laura Prestwood, Ph.D. has joined Meredith College as an associate professor & interior

1995

Tracy Gibson Knight has a new granddaughter,

design program coordinator in the Department of

Rachelle Prewitt Dries is president of the Cape Fear

Penelope Frances, born August 11, 2020, to her

Human Environmental Sciences. Prestwood recently

Chorale Board of Directors. She currently performs

son, Joshua, and his wife, Sophia. Penelope joins

relocated to Raleigh, N.C., from Austin, Texas. Yvette

with the group, occasionally as soloist, as well as with

her big sister, Daphne, who turned two in January.

Brown is one of 21 women leaders representing 20

the Tallis Chamber Orchestra. Debora Opheim Kolb

Penelope is doing fine with her family in Sewickley,

organizations across 13 states selected for The Carol

is living in Colorado and working for the Colorado

Pennsylvania. Amanda Hutchens Williams is

Emmott Fellowship Class of 2021. The Carol Emmott

Golf Association as manager of finance. Kolb loves

celebrating her 26 year anniversary of being a

Fellowship is a signature program of The Carol

the game of golf and is blessed to be working in a

1989

As each of us continues to deal with the impacts and implications of COVID-19 and a global pandemic, the College has announced that this year’s Alumnae Reunion Weekend, including all individual class events, has been postponed. It is our hope that we will be able to reschedule Alumnae Reunion Weekend for all alumnae as well as those classes that should have celebrated a special class reunion in 2020 and 2021 later this fall. Given that each of us has sacrificed many life events as well as time spent with friends and loved ones, we are certain that everyone will be eager to return to campus for a special celebration just as soon as CDC and state guidelines deem it is safe to do so. Once dates and details are available, we will share that via email and with your class agents. In the meantime, should you have questions or need any additional information, please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at alumnae@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8548. S ummer you 2020 home | M E R E Dto IT HMeredith M A G A Z I N E 43 We look forward to welcoming very soon!

S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

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CONNECTION field she loves. Heather Marshbanks Lore is now a

biggest and best position of her career. Webster is

in Charlotte, N.C., in June 2020. Laura Marshall

nurse supervisor for Home Instead Senior Care.

now director of software development for Nextlink

Robinson started a new job as the fellowship

Internet, a 600+ employee wireless internet service

program coordinator for gastroenterology at Saint

provider based in Texas. Webster encourages you

Louis University.

1996 Ashley Peay Bettini opened a small business,

to teach your daughters (and sons) that they CAN

ArtBox Lab & Studio, in September. She is teaching

do anything and be proud of their accomplishments,

art classes as well as hosting painting parties and

big and small. There’s nothing they can’t do, if

workshops from her home studio in Apex, N.C.

they work hard and believe in themselves. And no

1996

Kacey Reynolds Schedler is taking a break from a

matter the curve balls, you can push through, and

Edie Mason to Billy Deck, 1/29/10.

lifelong career in nonprofits in order to be closer to

something bigger and better will come along. What

her young son. Reynolds Schedler became a virtual

you’re meant to be doing is far greater than where

2001

second grade teacher with Raleigh Oak Charter

you might be today!

Crystal Turnage to Daniel Bacon, 5/12/02.

Amy Johnson Zagora celebrated 20 years at

2003

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in January 2021.

Leslie Teachey Rhodes is self-employed. She

Leslie Teachey to Drew Rhodes, 11/21/15.

School, a public Waldorf-inspired community school.

is the owner of Double Trouble Designs, a stay at

MARRIAGES

home mom, an advocate for parents of children with

2013

Amber Benton Lawson received the N.C. Outstanding

hearing loss, an advocate for twins, and an advocate

Elizabeth Harrison Lilley to Stephen Webb,

Biology Teacher Award from the North Carolina

for others with fertility journeys.

8/22/20.

1997 Science Teacher Association in November 2020.

2001

2004 Erin Elizabeth Callis Campo is now the clinical

NEW ARRIVALS

2001

Crystal Turnage Bacon has been a preschool

research

director in downtown Raleigh, N.C. for 14 years.

Associates. Beth Everett Daniel s completed a

Crystal Turnage Bacon, a son, Nathaniel David,

She also recently began her 13th year of teaching

graduate certificate at Appalachian State University

2/18/04, a daughter, Savannah Grace, 3/28/06, and

dance at Dance Art Studio in Garner, N.C.Emily

to earn a K-12 Educational Administrator License.

a daughter, Addelyn Mae, 5/6/11. Christian Melvin

Phillips Herring and her husband, Troy, have started

Daniels received an interim assistant principal

Howell, a son, Pennington Anderson, 8/13/20.

their own business, HerringEats. They deliver fresh

position at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, N.C.

pastries daily to a new coffee shop in downtown

coordinator

Raleigh

Neurology

2003

Raleigh. HerringEats has a strong, local following

2005

and is available for special orders or rustic French

Blair Wannamaker Archila is taking classes to

dinner parties. Rye Anderson Myers reports that

get an ESL teaching certificate. Rachel Salsman

her family has prayerfully accepted a two to three

Harrison began a position as an account manager at

2004

year expat assignment just south of Toronto, Ontario,

IXL. Jennifer Burns Thompson has relocated from

Erin Elizabeth Callis Campo, a son, Henry Bernard,

Canada. Her daughters, Ali (11) and Avery (9), are up

Kirkland, Wash. to Frisco, Texas.

6/10/20. Sarah Falco Gambo, a daughter, Elizabeth

for the new adventure. They are also transitioning to

Leslie Teachey Rhodes, a son, Cyrus, and a

daughter, Cora, 9/4/18.

Lami.

homeschooling at Myers International Academy. Rye

2007

writes that God has big plans for them in Canada!

Paula Etheridge Murray has been included in

2008

Jeremiah 29:11. Angela Cummings Thompson

the 2021 inaugural edition of the Best Lawyers in

Mary Catherine Ferree Hedrick, a daughter, Hadley

was awarded the 2020 Cultural Ambassador for the

America Ones to Watch. Paula was recognized for

Catherine, 10/10/20. Y’Carra Mungo Dozier, a

Carolinas Region of Keller Williams Realty. Sarah

her practice area of Real Estate Law.

daughter, E’Yara, 7/18/20.

Classical Academy. Wilson serves as director, and

2008

2010

there are 18 students enrolled for their inaugural

Keturah Beckham has been selected as a 2020-

Sarah Walker Gambella, a son, Vincent James,

year. Wilson and her family continue to reside in

23 Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Fellow.

8/22/19.

Danville, Ky. Susan Ames Webster and her family

She recently became a Certified Professional

continue to live in Wickenburg, Ariz. After losing

Aromatherapist and offers services through her

her job in June of 2020, she immediately found a

2013

small business named Rapha Ki. Y’Carra Mungo

Emily Stephens Lopez, a daughter,

consulting opportunity. The consulting led to the

Dozier opened Enlighten Legacy Learning Center

Joanna, 3/13/20.

Fuqua Wilson has started a school, named Chi Rho

me re d i th.e d u

DEATHS

1940 Frieda Culberson Burts Self, 11/5/20.

1942 Mary Hester Powell, 8/27/20.

1944 Sadie Outlaw Neel, 9/12/20.

1946 Elizabeth “Betsy” Hatch Pollard, 8/15/20.

1948 Virginia “Bunny” Shaw Browning, 9/26/20.

1949 Eloise Thomas Carr, 9/4/20.

1950 Carolyn Covington Robinson, 9/5/20.

1951 Elizabeth “Beth” Boggs Randolph, 8/18/20.

1953 Janne Dawson Phillips, 10/1/20.

1954 Anne Carter Smith, 8/27/20. Louise Stephens Upchurch, 8/10/20. Dorothy “Dot” Knott Preston, 1/5/21.

1955 Evelyn Boone Elmer, 8/9/20. Patty Melvin Watson, 9/7/20. Sandra Jean Peterson Barber,

11/15/20.

1959 Dorothy “Dotty” Wampler Landen, 9/12/20. Joan Madre Trueblood, 8/31/20.

1962 Linda Motsinger Keiner, 8/31/20. Patricia Leggett Southern, 9/3/17.

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

SARAH VALENTINE, ’06 Using Grief for Good By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 After experiencing several back-to-back devastating losses in her family in 2017 and 2018, Sarah Valentine, ’06, decided to turn her grief into a passion project. The idea for Riverside Ranch, the 501c3 nonprofit she now runs, was inspired by both her love for horses and a desire to help others. Initially, Valentine wasn’t sure of the exact scope of the organization, but she knew she wanted to make a positive impact on individuals with special needs or those going through challenging circumstances like herself. “In going through my own deep grief, I realized that being outside in nature and getting back into horseback riding helped me so much,” said Valentine. “I soon learned about therapeutic horseback riding and began the process to become certified to teach lessons.” That’s when she started to really flesh out the idea for Riverside, which is a volunteer-run organization that sits on a 36-acre farm in Clayton, N.C. Riverside’s mission is to help individuals through therapeutic horseback riding and other equineassisted activities. Valentine serves as the executive director and founder of the ranch, but her day-to-day tasks vary based on the needs of the organization. “On a weekly basis, I’m teaching therapeutic riding lessons to individuals to help them cope with special needs or with grief,” she said. “But I also take care of our two horses and stay busy with administrative tasks, fundraising, training our volunteers, and farm work.” After months of fundraising and support from Valentine’s community, Riverside opened its barn doors on July 25, 2020. In a year when therapy is in high demand, the organization has seen rapid growth, serving seven riders every week with the help of over 35 volunteers. “We are 100% volunteer run, including myself,” said Valentine. “I volunteer all my time which is about 40-50 hours a week, alongside our volunteers who give lessons, do barn chores, and help with administrative tasks.” In total, about 100 hours of volunteer work is required each week to keep the ranch up and running. What keeps Valentine going is her steadfast belief that life is about helping one another. “Riverside Ranch is built by our community, for our community, and is a place of community,” she said. “It is a very rewarding job, giving back to others and working with individuals of all abilities.” It was through the constant encouragement of her peers and business professors at Meredith that Valentine initially learned to think outside the box and chase big dreams. “I was instilled with great confidence at Meredith and earned an amazing and strong education,” she said.

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1964

1977

1970

Jean Youngblood Boutwell, 11/5/20.

Virginia Patrick Avery, 9/28/20.

Eva Neel Wardrup in the death of her mother.

1965

1990

1972

Catherine Vestal Mobley, 8/10/20.

Anne Carroll Mustian Ezzelle, 10/21/20.

Elizabeth Triplett Beam in the death of her mother.

1991

1973

Betty Kirkpatrick Tysinger, 10/9/20.

1966 Joyce Jorgensen Hewett, 10/6/20.

1967 Dorothy Jane Bostick, 10/28/20. Patricia Wynn Head, 8/27/20.

1970

Nita Hughes Gladstone, 10/30/20.

IN SYMPATHY

1947

Paula Gupton Page in the death of her mother.

1974 Louise McCaskill Baker in the death of her sister.

Edith Timberlake Knott in the death of her husband.

Allynna Brooks Stone in the death of her mother.

1963

1975

Bryna Barrett Bozart-Barnes in the death of her

Ann Darden Gibbs in the death of her husband.

Margaret “Peggy” Timmerman Carter, 10/21/20.

grandson.

1975

1968

Cathy McCaskill Kearney, 10/2/20.

Alma Jo Hall Langston in the death of her husband.

1976 Cathy Rollins Davis in the death of her husband. Ellen Stegner Strickland in the death of her son.

Join us for the 23rd Annual Meredith Athletics Golf Tournament Monday, May 17, 2021, at 1 p.m. Shotgun Start Wildwood Green Golf Club, 3000 Ballybunion Way, Raleigh, N.C. The Meredith Athletics Golf Tournament celebrates our wonderful sponsors and supporters of our athletics program. The tournament also allows us to thank all of the alumnae, family, friends, and sponsors who help our student-athletes grow and prosper year round.

Golfers and Volunteers WANTED Register online at goavengingangels.com/golfclassic Join our Silent Auction Alumnae, friends, and family can participate in our silent auction online at goavengingangels.com/golfclassic for the chance to win prizes, experiences, trips, and more! Our silent auction will be open and live on Sunday, May 9 at 8 a.m. and will close on Tuesday, May 18 at 11:59 p.m. Current sponsor: Raleigh Brewing Company

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1977 Andra Knott Burt in the death of her father.

1978 Sara Lynn Neel Powell in the death of her mother.

1979 Holly Waddell Marchisello in the death of her father.

1980 Edwina Evans Bruce in the death of her father. Janet Liles Gowan in the death of her mother. Katherine Womble Lynch in the death of her mother-in-law.

1981 Judith Carr Reel in the death of her mother.

1984 Gwyn Trueblood Cloninger in the death of her

mother. Tedi Altman Fagan in the death of her mother.

1985 Denise Pope Stearley in the death of her mother.

1987 LuAnne Finch Clark in the death of her mother.

1989 Alma Ammons Hoffmann in the death of her father. Cheri Finley Thomas in the death of her mother. Susan Tillery in the death of her mother.

[ALUMNAE GOING STRONG]

TAYLOR KEYES, ’19 Young Alumna Plays Hands-On Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Development By Cailyn Whitman, ’18 Like many essential healthcare workers, Taylor Keyes, ’19, has seen a shift in her job responsibilities ever since COVID-19 hit in March 2020. As a research technician for a lab at Duke Health, her duties prior to the pandemic centered around studying patient trial antibody responses to HIV/AIDS vaccinations. But with the novel coronavirus now at the forefront of healthcare research, Keyes has a new responsibility: to study COVID-19 samples in support of the search for a vaccine. Since her lab had experience evaluating antibody responses for HIV, Keyes and her colleagues were able to apply that same expertise in evaluating antibody responses in COVID-19 samples. Duke also gave her the unique opportunity to receive additional training in the biocontainment facility so that she could do handson experiments with the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus. “In a week’s time, I can infect cells with the virus, harvest the cells, and perform experiments to determine whether various antibodies are capable of binding to the infected cells,” said Keyes. “I can also look at serum from COVID-19 patients and assess how ‘infected’ they are.” As the virus continues to result in devastation across the world, Keyes finds being a part of the solution to be very rewarding. “The thing I love the most about working in vaccine development is knowing that what I’m doing is working towards creating a better future,” she said. “Research involves a lot of long days and headaches, but it is so rewarding. If given the choice, I would choose it every single time.” Keyes relies on her strengths in being extremely organized, attentive to detail, and

1991

inquisitive to succeed in her role. “I think these strengths serve me well as a scientist because in the lab, organization and time management are the keys to getting the job

Gladys Cusley Langdon in the death of her

done,” she said. “Having great attention to detail is key to making discoveries.” During Keyes’ time on Meredith’s campus, she took advantage of the

husband. Alesha Still McCauley in the death of her father.

opportunity to conduct undergraduate research investigating HIV treatment possibilities, which is what initially sparked her passion for HIV research,

1993

immunology, and public health. “Meredith’s support for and celebration of student researchers gave me the

Maria Watson Tetterton in the death of her mother.

1996

confidence to pursue research as a career,” she said. “Receiving funding for my research project from the Undergraduate Research Program gave me the chance to fine-tune my scientific skills and helped me become an employable scientist.” Considering Keyes just recently graduated, the experience she’s gained in vaccine development so far is remarkable. “I am most proud of how much I’ve grown as a scientist in the short time I’ve been with Duke,” she said. “I’ve learned

Rebekah McRoy Williams in the death of her father.

so much already and have no intentions on stopping.”

1995 Debora Opheim Kolb in the death of her father.

S p ring 2021 | M E R E D IT H M A G A Z I N E

ALUMNAE

CONNECTION

1998 Jessica Brooks Walsh in the death of her

grandmother.

1999 Jamie Neff Ferguson in the death of her

father.

Have You Joined Meredith Mentors?

2001 Thea Park Deloreto in the death of her

grandmother. Robin Naylor Higgins in the death of her father. Betsy Rhame-Minor in the death of her father. Lori Neff Piatt in the death of her father. Sherry Stephens in the death of her mother.

2004 Stephanie Crocker in the death of her mother. Beth Everett Daniels in the death of her

grandmother. Sarah Liles Pittman in the death of her grandmother.

2008 Laura Marshall Robinson in the death of her

grandmother.

2011

The Meredith network is STRONG, and Meredith Mentors is an online platform that supports the personal and professional growth of our current students as well as fellow alumnae and alumni. Through this online platform, students, alumnae, and alumni can connect with fellow users based on major, employer, city, state, study abroad locations, and even CliftonStrengths. As a member of Meredith Mentors, users can seek expertise or advice and form connections with members of the Meredith community from around the globe. Whether an alumna is interested in moving to a new city, making a career change, or applying to graduate school, there are users on the profile willing to help. Likewise, students can use the platform to connect with alumnae and alumni as they navigate majors, study abroad locations, internships, interviews, and graduate school.

Kristen Reel Shuford in the death of her

grandmother.

2013 Taylor Wilson Twine in the death of her

stepfather.

To register for Meredith Mentors and begin exploring the vast community of participants, please visit mentors.meredith.edu.

2016 Esther McCaskill-Baker in the death of her

aunt.

2018 Molly Wilson in the death of her stepfather.

2023 Meredith Ezzelle in the death of her mother.

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MERED TH MENTORS