Spring 2022 Meredith Magazine by Meredith College

CAMPUS NEWS Meredith’s newly renovated Nutrition Lab, housed in Martin Hall, is designed to provide students with experience working in the types of industrial kitchen spaces they will work in after graduating. Career fields that benefit from this space include nutrition education, food service management, public policy or health fields, and the sustainable food industry. The renovation project was completed in 2021, and students are already enjoying the benefits of learning in this new environment. Learn more about the facility, and the donors who helped make it possible, on page 30.

Take a walk through the new Nutrition Lab.

CAMPUS NEWS

Reunion photos by Dylan Cook

Alumnae Association Holds Reunion Weekend By Emily Parker

he Alumnae Association was pleased to welcome alumnae back to campus on October 8-9, 2021, for Alumnae Reunion Weekend. Because of COVID-19, the 2020 and 2021 May reunions were postponed, so this event combined alumnae classes ending in 0, 5, 1, and 6. The weekend opened with the Golden Oaks Luncheon, which was held in the courtyard. Members of the Classes of 1970 and 1971 were officially inducted into the Golden Oaks Society, which marks 50 years since graduating from Meredith. President Jo Allen welcomed these alumnae home to Meredith, and her remarks highlighted the years the Classes of 1970 and 1971 spent at Meredith as well as their personal and professional accomplishments over the past 50 years.

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“As you return to campus this weekend, you will see that much has changed at our beloved alma mater in the 50 and 51 years since your graduation. As you sit here today, I imagine you are asking yourselves where did the time go?” Allen said. President Allen’s remarks detailed campus life during their student experience, historical events, political happenings, the space race, popular TV shows, and songs from their senior year. To demonstrate the personal and professional accomplishments of these two 50th reunion classes, her remarks noted secondary degrees and professional degrees, careers, volunteer roles, and special awards and recognitions. “All of this really goes to show that you can do just about anything with a liberal arts degree. Through your

pursuits, achievements, honors, and service, you demonstrate that Meredith College has always been Going Strong and on the forefront of educating women to excel,” said Allen. “Not only have you given much to Meredith and one another, but you have certainly left your mark on your families, careers, and community.” All reunion classes were invited to attend a Friday party held in the courtyard featuring The Entertainers. Alumnae enjoyed the opportunity to dine, dance, mix, and mingle with friends and classmates. Inclement weather on Saturday morning caused the brunch and State of the College to be canceled. Classes continued to hold their meetings and individual class events around the Raleigh area. Saturday class events were coordinated by

class agents with support from the Office of Alumnae Relations. This allowed alumnae another opportunity to gather, celebrate, and reminisce. “After two postponed reunion weekends, we were happy to be able to host these two reunion groups. After so much lost time, we know it was worth the wait,” said Hilary Allen, ’01, director of the Office of Alumnae Relations. “For many alumnae, they have not returned to campus since their last reunion, which was five or six years ago. And, as you can imagine, alumnae were eager to return to campus as well as reunite with dear friends and classmates. We were excited to see such a great response, and more than anything, so happy to be able to welcome them home again to Meredith.” October’s Alumnae Reunion Weekend welcomed alumnae from 32 classes, ranging from the Class of 1951 to the Class of 2021, as well as 15 states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Oregon, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Nebraska, and Ohio as well as Washington, D.C.

The next Alumnae Reunion Weekend, which will welcome back those classes ending in 2 or 7, will be held in May 2022. Visit meredith.edu/alumnae-reunion for details.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

Meredith Library Receives Grant to Support Student Computer Needs By Melyssa Allen

eredith College’s Carlyle Campbell Library has received a grant that expands the number of laptops available to support student needs. The “Digital Inclusion for High Need Students” grant from the State Library of North Carolina funded the purchase of 17 laptops that were added to the library’s pool of computers available for loan to students in need. “The grant establishes an extended loan pool that will support students with a computer crisis, which could include underpowered computers, broken computers, transportation problems, or courses that require a different laptop platform,” said Laura Davidson, dean of library information services. Computers would be loaned to students for up to a full academic semester. These students would also be connected with the Office of Student Success & Advising for support in resolving their crisis. The need for an extended lending program was confirmed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased online academic activities for most students. The library was able to provide a limited computer loan option to support student participation in online classes and to meet computing needs within specific courses. The new grant expanded the number of computers available and helped the library establish a long-term program.

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This project was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-21).

Meredith College Announces First DEI Coordinator By Kristi Eaves-McLennan

eredith College has hired Liliana Madrid to serve as the College’s first Coordinator and Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Madrid began at Meredith on January 24, 2022. In this newly created position, Madrid will support people from a wide diversity of backgrounds – including but not limited to diverse academic experiences, socioeconomic levels, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, genders, races, and ethnicities. Reporting directly to the president, the Coordinator for DEI "will champion policies and actions that reaffirm the College’s lasting commitment to being a healthy and inclusive environment," said President Jo Allen, ’80. “DEI work is not always easy and has been in the spotlight a lot lately and not always in a positive way, but it is not just a job to me,” Madrid said. “It’s part of my lived experience and because of that, I’ve found the strength to continue doing work to make college campuses more equitable spaces.” Prior to coming to Meredith, Madrid served as the director of DEI for the division of academic and student affairs at NC State. She has also held roles supporting multicultural students at UNC Wilmington, Lafayette College, Moravian College, and Bay Path University.

Madrid brings extensive experience helping the higher education community review organizational practices, processes, and structures and recommending ways to make them more equitable. “In addition to her experience in a higher-ed setting, one of the things that stood out most about Liliana is the joy with which she approaches DEI work. Her passion and enthusiasm for helping to ensure everyone feels they belong distinguish her as the community builder we seek,” said Allen. Madrid holds a B.A. in political science from Trinity College and an M.S. in higher education administration from Bay Path University. She is earning a doctoral degree at NC State in educational leadership, policy, and human development. Academic Search, a nationally known, top-rated search firm, aided Meredith College in the search for this position. Allen thanked the campus community, particularly the members of Meredith’s search committee for their support of the search for the DEI Coordinator. Serving on the search committee were Dean of Library Information Services Laura Davidson, committee co-chair; Director of Human Resources Pamela Davis Galloway; Black Student Union President Chorro Jobe, ’24; Associate Professor of English

“DEI work is not always easy and has been in the spotlight a lot lately and not always in a positive way, but it is not just a job to me. It’s part of my lived experience and because of that, I’ve found the strength to continue doing work to make college campuses more equitable spaces.” — Liliana Madrid Alisa Johnson, committee co-chair; Student Government Association President Sarah Powell, ’22; Survey and Report Specialist Dilnavaz Mirza Sharma, committee co-chair; Associate Director of Admissions Grace Sugg; Videographer/Photographer Kaylin Tsukayama; and Chief of Campus Police Al White.

New Academic Building Construction Nears Completion By Emily Parker

C Watch to learn more about the building project.

onstruction is expected to be complete on Meredith’s new academic building later in 2022. It will house growing programs in Communication and Exercise and Sports Science. The building, adjacent to Weatherspoon Gymnasium and the Lowery Fitness Center, will be 13,636 square feet and include a state-of-the-art recording studio, a podcast room, three editing rooms, two spacious exercise and sports science working classrooms, a collaboration room, and additional classrooms. The building will be fully accessible and will have energy-saving features such as LED lighting and a special roof that will reduce building cooling needs. To add to the beauty of the building, the lobby will have a water feature and fireplace. There will also be a patio beside the building and 18 offices for department heads in communication and exercise and sports science, and athletic staff. Design Development Architects designed the new building and Inland Construction is the general contractor. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

Meredith College Named to The Princeton Review’s “Best in the Southeast” List By Melyssa Allen

eredith College is one of the 143 best colleges in the Southeast according to The Princeton Review. The education services company lists Meredith in the Best in the Southeast section of its “2022 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website feature. The website feature salutes a total of 655 colleges that The Princeton Review recommends over five regions: the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and International. The colleges that made the “Best in the Southeast” list are located in 12 Southeastern states. The schools in each region are listed in alphabetical order by school name, and not ranked. The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their colleges on dozens of issues and to answer

questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. Comments from surveyed students are quoted in the school profiles on The Princeton Review website. Meredith College students told The Princeton Review that at Meredith students “discover your strengths and how to use them,” with classes “designed to make you think” and which “are beneficial to your Meredith career as well as in real life.” That goal is brought to fruition by professors who are described as “passionate about what they teach.” The 143 colleges that The Princeton Review chose for its “Best in the Southeast” 2022 list are located in twelve states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South

Education Department Has DEI Focus By Gaye Hill

teacher symposium and an education study group are two examples of ways Meredith’s Department of Education has supported anti-racism efforts this academic year. The department hosted the Wetonah Rice Parker Symposium on November 13, 2021. This free virtual event brought educators together to learn about important diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work in schools. The symposium promotes inclusive and equitable educational practices for all learners, addressing both the unique needs of beginning teachers and the continued leadership development of master teachers. In addition, members of the Department of Education participated in the Zinn Education Project's Teaching for Black Lives book study group. They received free copies of the book Teaching for Black Lives as well as copies of the New York Times' 1619 Project and will be meeting at least five times over the course of the year to discuss the book's implications for their practice and engage in other learning opportunities.

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Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Princeton Review also designated 223 colleges in the Northeast, 126 in the West, 158 in the Midwest and four in the International region as “best” in their locales on the company’s “2022 Best Colleges: Region by Region” lists. Collectively, the colleges on The Princeton Review’s “regional best” lists for 2022 constitute about 24% of the nation’s 2,700 fouryear colleges. The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, books, and other student resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University. Visit meredith.edu/about/whatmakes-us-strong to see more of Meredith’s strong rankings.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Investing in Our Future: Promoting Health and Wellness at Meredith College

eredith College is known for its liberal arts foundations and varied programs of study along with strong professional programs in business, education, engineering, social work, criminology, and more. What Meredith is not as well known for is its strength in the studies of and programming support for healthcare and well-being, more commonly associated with institutions featuring nursing, medical, dental, and other health-targeted studies. Nonetheless, with health-focused academic programs such as nutrition, science, exercise and sports science, education/autism, psychology, social work, child development, public health, and the pre-health post-baccalaureate certificate, we are already offering exceptional academic preparation for careers in healthcare – and exceptional preparation for graduate professional studies in medicine, psychology, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and more. In addition to the Science and Mathematics building that led the way toward STEM excellence over a decade ago, with our new and

enhanced facilities (the Lowery Fitness Center, renovated nutrition lab, and a new building opening spring 2022 that will house the exercise & sports science major along with athletics and communication), Meredith is poised to show off its thriving programs that are health- and well-being related. This emphasis builds on our strong reputation and focus in our strategic plan to support health and wellbeing in all its forms for students and employees. As just a sampling of our programming in addition to the academic initiatives, we offer physical and mental health services, disabilities services, and the chaplaincy. And our students and employees are eager to offer and participate in initiatives directed at their own health, through employee wellness programming such as Working on Wellness (WOW) with classes in yoga, general conditioning, and more. Meredith offers employee benefits that focus on smoking cessation, stress management, reduction of technology use and impacts, and more. In addition to these offerings, Meredith also provides time off to employees to engage in

healthy activities and encourages student organizations to participate in volunteer activities focusing on the care of the community as they work on their own healthy choices. And, of course, students and employees work on their strengths through StrongPoints® and professional development, teaching them how to build on strengths and, thus, build resilience and reduce stress, factors we know will enhance a healthy body and mind. Our new iteration of the strategic plan will focus more specifically on these programs and ways we can grow stronger through program enhancements and recruiting new generations of students eager to make a difference in their own health as well as the health and well-being of others. Thanks to our partners who are eager to participate in this powerful focus. Be well.

President Jo Allen, ’80 Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

Wildlife Returns to Meredith Lake Habitat By Gaye Hill

hile Meredith Lake is best known as a special location for students and alumnae, it is also home to a range of wildlife. When the lake failed, contractors moved all of the fish to the ponds behind The Oaks apartments. The turtles naturally migrated on their own to streams in the woods behind the lake as well as the ponds behind The Oaks. Once the lake was refilled, the turtles migrated back. Meredith Facilities Services is looking into options to stock the lake with positive habitat wildlife. “I have two research students looking at biodiversity around the Meredith Lake area, comparing data to a turtle population survey before the lake drained,” said Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Maria Pickering. Students carried out three turtle trapping surveys in fall 2021. “We actually caught one individual that had been marked from prelake drainage, which is pretty neat,” Pickering added.

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Meredith Formalizes Agreement to Offer Accelerated MBA for William Peace Students

MEREDITH EXPERTS IN THE NEWS Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets discussing topics including North Carolina’s labor market, the FBI’s 2020 crime statistics, women in the military and law enforcement, and ethical issues in medical care.

By Melyssa Allen

eredith College and William Peace University (WPU) have formalized an agreement that provides a new, accelerated degree option in Raleigh. Through this program, WPU students will complete a bachelor’s degree and a Meredith MBA in five years. Meredith President Jo Allen and WPU President Brian Ralph signed the agreement on November 19, 2021, in the Main Parlor on the WPU campus. As they work to complete the undergraduate coursework in four years, WPU students in this program will be able to add two Meredith graduate courses into their senior year – giving the student an advantage toward completion of his or her graduate degree in just one more year. Students who enroll will complete classes at both institutions, though most of the general and undergraduate coursework will take place at WPU. Graduates from the program will leave with a WPU bachelor’s degree and a Meredith MBA. “I am pleased that our relationship with WPU is another example of the ways higher education partnerships promote access for students and pathways to success while minimizing replicative costs,” said Allen. “This kind of collaboration helps keep the cost of higher education in check and opens doors for students in empowering ways.” WPU President Brian Ralph agreed. “In the changing landscape of higher education, we want to make it easier for students to achieve their goals,” Ralph said. “We are thrilled to present this opportunity for those who want to pursue an advanced degree in business.” The program will be individualized for each student. Both traditional students and adult learners can enroll in the program. While Meredith College is a women-only institution on the undergraduate level, its graduate programs are open to men and women. Learn more about the Meredith MBA Program at meredith.edu/mba.

With our strong labor market history in manufacturing, a generally friendly political climate for employers, and our temperate climate that isn’t given to extreme weather events compared to some other states, N.C. will be seen as a reliable state in which to keep the supply chain running smoothly.” Professor of Economics Anne York in a WRAL Techwire article about the announcement of Toyota’s plans to build a multi-billion dollar battery plant at a facility in the Triad region.

Women should be included from the beginning: in the design process. This kind of sexism isn’t new. It is the cost of being female.” Professor of Sociology Lori Brown in an article in The 19th* about the additional costs women in the military and law enforcement incur for their uniforms. The 19th* is an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics, and policy. The story was also published by USA Today.

There are consequences beyond the pandemic itself from a health standpoint. It’s a domino in many aspects of our lives and one of those major aspects is of course crime.” Criminal Justice Graduate Program Director Bianca Harris in a WITN interview about the FBI 2020 Crime Statistics report, which was released in fall 2021.

If you say somebody is ‘cutting the line,’ you’re automatically assuming that there is a morally appropriate or morally acceptable order in which people should receive care. And we as a society haven’t really codified that – we seem to do first come, first served.” Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies Steven A. Benko in an episode of the WUNC podcast Tested, which featured a discussion of the ethical dimensions of rationing health care in emergency and nonemergency situations based on vaccination status.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

Read the full report.

Newest Status of Women in North Carolina Politics Report Shows Mixed Results By Melyssa Allen

n fall 2021, Meredith College released the third update of its report examining women as voters and officeholders in North Carolina. The Status of Women in North Carolina Politics report has been released on a three-year cycle since 2015. Professor of Political Science David McLennan, who produced the report, said at the national level, the current status of women in politics is “a mixed bag,” with more women in Congress and the first woman elected vice president, while the number of women governors has declined. In North Carolina, women have lost ground in some key areas. Women make up 51 percent of the population in the state and almost 50.3 percent of the voters in North Carolina. Despite the persistent demographic advantage, women have always been underrepresented in appointed and elected offices in North Carolina. In some urban areas around the state, women are the majority of elected officeholders. In other areas of the state, particularly in some rural areas east of I-95 and west of I-85,

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women officeholders are much rarer. There are city councils, county boards of commissioners, and school boards without any women at the table. “Since the last Status of Women in North Carolina Politics report in 2018, there have been some modest gains for women,” McLennan said. “Fewer appointed boards and commissions lack women’s voices, more women serve as judges, and the General Assembly has the most women serving in its history.” The report not only documents the situation for women as voters, candidates, appointed officials, and elected officials in North Carolina, but it provides more analysis of factors that contribute to this continued underrepresentation. New analysis in this report reveals: • Black women and women of color are significantly underrepresented, as compared to their white counterparts, especially in suburban areas of the state. • Fundraising in competitive races is not a reason why women candidates lose. • The type of electoral district –

at large vs. district – is a key factor in electing women generally and Black women and women of color specifically. “This report, like its predecessors, is meant to be a wake-up call for North Carolina politics,” said McLennan. “As we strive to be a truly representative democracy, women, who are a majority of the state’s citizens, need a bigger place at the political table.” The Status of Women in North Carolina Politics report is part of Meredith College’s commitment to being a leading source of information on women’s issues in the state. Another example is the Voices of Change Political Institute, a new partnership of Meredith College, Advance NC, and the North Carolina Black Alliance, that launched in 2021 to help address the gap in representation of Black women and those of color in office by providing an institute that informs, prepares, and creates a lasting community to support future candidates.

Learn more at ourvoicesofchange.org.

Alumnae Association, 1891 Club Host Pop-Up Events for Students By Rachel Van Horne, ’23

eredith’s Alumnae Association showed support for current students by hosting a Fall Pop-Up event. This was one of several events sponsored by the Alumnae Association and the 1891 Club this academic year. During the Fall Pop-Up event, students received goodie bags with candy, Meredith stickers, and Halloween socks. Hot chocolate and apple cider were also offered in a to-go capacity. The goal of the Fall Pop-Up event was to connect students to the Alumnae Association by providing them with treats. This event garnered an attendance of over 350 students during the day. Alumnae Association President Courtney Allen, ’10, attended and helped pass out bags. Chair of Student Relations Jennifer Christenberry, ’92, who has helped at past events, said, “We had a very enthusiastic response to our Alumnae Association Halloween Pop-Up Event! Students lined up early for hot chocolate, cider, and treats and were so appreciative. It was great to have alumnae make a connection with current students.” Students also enjoyed the event. Anna Prince, ’24, shared, “I enjoyed how friendly everyone at the event was. I always love being able to celebrate my school spirit with pop-up events.” The Alumnae Association also provided colorful popcorn in individual bags to students following Cornhuskin’ on November 5.

Last Day of Class Celebration At the end of the fall 2021 semester, Meredith’s 1891 Club held a special event to celebrate the last day of class. Approximately 150 students who are members of the 1891 Club were invited to stop by the Alumnae House on December 1 to receive a coffee mug with the Meredith Lux and take a to-go hot chocolate or coffee sponsored by the Alumnae Association. “I enjoyed getting to talk to several students, some of whom were finishing up their first semester of college,” said Hannah Kicklighter, ’19, assistant director of alumnae relations. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to arrange events through the 1891 Club and the Alumnae Association for students in a safe, but fun capacity. As a recent graduate, I remember the impact that events like this one have on the students to make their experience on campus special,” Kicklighter said. The Alumnae Association intends to host more pop-up events in the future. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

Meredith Students Show Support for Afghan Refugee Families By Gaye Hill

n November 2021, the Office of the Chaplain, Sisters United, Meredith International Association, Meredith Immigrant and Refugee Club, and the Student Government Association (SGA) organized a basic household goods drive for Afghan refugee families moving into the Raleigh area. Many items were collected and donated to the Raleigh Baptist Association. Geeti Mohammed Zahir, ’23, a student from Afghanistan, serves as a student assistant for Stacy Pardue, Meredith’s chaplain. Zahir, SGA President Sarah Powell, ’22, and Pardue delivered donated items to families and met with a number of them. Zahir said Pardue asked her if she would like to meet and mentor two of the women. “I immediately said yes and was very excited to see them,” said Zahir. “When I went to see the girls, there were other new Afghan families that were going through a crisis as well and asked for help.” According to Pardue, the families spent several months in refugee camps located in Wisconsin and Virginia and now have permanently relocated to Raleigh. Raleigh faith communities are working together to help set up apartments and provide needed items. “Many of the people we met had literally one outfit and only one pair of flip flops for shoes,” said Pardue.

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“As you can imagine, they have been through a traumatic experience. They have family members who are still in Afghanistan and they are now in Raleigh with very little.” Some of the women told Pardue they knew how to sew, so she sent out a request to campus for sewing machines. She was pleased with the positive response.

“I hope we will be able to help these families with their essential needs and let them know that the worst is in the past. I also hope this effort will encourage others to help people in need.” — Geeti Mohammed Zahir, ’23 “Seven Meredith employees have offered sewing machines for me to take to the community center near where the families are living. I’m working with the center director to begin sewing classes for the women to make clothing.” The children were not scheduled to start school until January, so the SGA Executive Board and Sisters United hosted an outdoor picnic and games for the children and their parents at the community center.

Student Support Comes Full Circle For Zahir, a political science major who is minoring in pre-law, helping the families has given her a closer look at what they actually went through when they fled their country. “We had seen many news reports when the Taliban took control over Afghanistan, but being present with its people and hearing their stories will give us a chance to walk a mile in their shoes,” she said. Zahir also knows what it’s like to be on the other end of such support. As a child, she attended an afterschool program hosted by Lutheran Family Services, a regional nonprofit organization that provided refugee resettlement services. Pardue brought Meredith students to help children with their homework – among them, Zahir. Now at Meredith herself, Zahir, who also works for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), said there are a number of ways to get involved in the project. She suggested that those who are interested contact the Chaplain’s Office. “I hope we will be able to help these families with their essential needs and let them know that the worst is in the past,” said Zahir. “I also hope this effort will encourage others to help people in need.”

Meredith Student Wins Clorox Case Competition By Gaye Hill

eanine Carryl, ’22, is a computer science major who took a Principles of Marketing course with Assistant Professor of Marketing Lisa Monahan. While researching possible internships for students, Monahan came across the Burt’s Bees Case Competition, sponsored by parent company Clorox, which has an office in Durham. “These types of places usually have specific schools they recruit from and more often than not they require an MBA,” said Monahan. “I encouraged Jeanine to apply. I thought maybe it was a long shot, but then she was accepted – and won!” In taking the course, Carryl discovered she has a knack for marketing. “We started talking about things I can do independently to learn more about marketing,” said Carryl. “Dr. Monahan sent me the information about the competition and explained that it was similar to the final project I completed in her class.” Students were selected from a nationwide pool, assigned to work in teams on a Burt's Bees sustainability case study, and then proposed solutions that could positively impact business. “My favorite part was learning about the history of Burt's Bees,” said Carryl. “There was so much history of the brand that I don't think most people really know.” For Carryl, the most challenging aspect was managing her nerves. “This was the first time I've worked with a group that specializes in a different field than I and to see our presentation come together was amazing. We worked exceptionally well together and took our time in developing each aspect of the project." The winning team was invited to present their work to a panel of top Clorox executives. Carryl said she can see herself further exploring and learning more about digital marketing. “I think the biggest takeaway is to explore opportunities even if you don't feel completely comfortable,” she said. “Take each opportunity as a learning experience.” Monahan was thrilled by her student’s success, but not necessarily surprised. “She is an incredibly intuitive marketer and just an all-around amazing student and person,” said Monahan.

NEWSMAKERS The following faculty members have been approved for sabbaticals during the 2022-23 academic year: Professor of Sociology Amie Hess, Professor of Communication Teresa Holder, Associate Professor of Marketing & Law Jeff Langenderfer, Professor of Art Dana Lovelace, Associate Professor of Political Science Whitney Ross Manzo, and Professor of English Kelly Roberts. Sabbatical leave provides

an opportunity for professional development for individual faculty members. Faculty may choose to use this opportunity to improve their college teaching; to grow in their discipline, such as engaging in scholarly research, publication, or artistic performance or productivity; or to enhance their leadership potential. Assistant Professor of Communication Alan Buck

was chosen to be a mentor for the Central and Eastern Europe Journalist Fellowship Program this fall. He was paired with a journalist from a television network in Croatia for the virtual mentorship program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Paris and implemented by Meridian International Center. The fellowship expands the capacity of professional journalists and improves the sustainability of citizen-generated media in Central and Eastern Europe. Mary Lynch Johnson Professor of English Rebecca Duncan spoke on “Professional Life at a

Small Private College” in a session on “Life Hacks” at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) conference on November 4, 2021. Duncan’s presentation featured input from Meredith colleagues Professor of Education Julie Schrock (Faculty Development), Assistant Professor of Mathematics Phillip Andreae, and Assistant Professor of English Jayme Ringleb.

Assistant Professor in Fashion Merchandising and Design Ali Howell mentored students Amelia Darnell and Ava Baumgartner on a research project,

An examination of fashion influencers’ participation in racial equity movements on social media during the summer of 2020. This study was presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association annual conference on November 6, 2021. Instructor of Education and Geoscience Manley Midgett was awarded the Herman and Emma Gatling

Award by the North Carolina Science Leadership Association. The award is the highest honor the association gives for leadership in science education. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

STRONG STORIES

I believe that I am strong because of the community of people I surround myself with. It has been important for me to lean on my family’s support and support at Meredith.”

KELSEY McCLEAVE, ’22 Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program

Learn more about Meredith's Pre-Health Certificate Program.

Finding Encouragement and New Ways of Thinking at Meredith

s a non-traditional male student, I thought it would be awkward going to Meredith. However, I found out quickly that the faculty and staff are amazing and the students are, too! I can remember going to the student center daily to the large study room and sitting in with five or six of my classmates and writing out chemistry problems on the board or DNA sequences to code for genetics. Meredith is one great big family and if you want to succeed they will make sure it happens! I believe that I am strong because of the community of people I surround myself with. It has been important for me to lean on my family’s support and

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support at Meredith. The professors made it their business to make sure everyone was supported and felt connected. Even at this time, I am able to reach out to any of my professors and receive prompt responses and help. If anyone has taken a class with Dr. Andrus, they know it is not an easy task. When I matriculated over the summer of 2019, I had the naïve idea that I would breeze through the classes because, after all, I was a master’s level student coming back to take undergraduate-level classes. But Dr. Andrus encouraged us to think differently in the way we learn. I realized that the status quo was not going to get me a post-bacc certificate at Meredith.

He taught us not only to learn the information as fact but how to apply that information to different scenarios. He was tough in the classroom and expected nothing but excellence. He would open his office up to you and provide as much extra support as you needed. Completing the pre-health postbaccalaureate certificate program allowed me to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school. I will be attending Campbell University. Meredith professors who agreed to write me recommendations even after a year of being out of school connected with me and wrote me letters of evaluation. Eventually, I hope to serve as a PA in rural North Carolina.”

The Bradford, New Hill

Site Visits Essential Part of Hospitality Program By Melyssa Allen

isiting local restaurants, hotels, and attractions are essential lessons for students in Meredith’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. During the 2021-22 academic year, students and Program Director Michael Altman have visited a variety of locations including the PNC Arena, Durham Food Hall, the Angus Barn, and The Bradford. During the visit to PNC Arena, students in the Sport Management class watched the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1, but the ice was not the only place they put their focus. The class was required to observe everything at the game from parking to entry, seating, signage, sponsorship, advertising, food service, bathrooms, accessibility, exits, and more. Afterward, students had to write a reflection on the overall fan experience, parts of which were shared with the Hurricanes marketing director. At the new Durham Food Hall, venue owner and Meredith alumna Adair Mueller, ’11, welcomed Meredith hospitality and tourism students for a tour. She talked with students about her work and the challenges of operating her business before and during COVID-19. The venue is now fully open for business and actively booking events in its upper-level space. At the Angus Barn, Meredith students were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Raleigh’s most prominent restaurants. Senior Manager Jill Highsmith

introduced hospitality and tourism students to the head butcher at the Angus Barn, who showed the group what it takes to prepare their signature aged steaks that are served to almost 20,000 patrons every month. Students also learned about the Walk for Hope event to raise funds and awareness about mental health, and helped to promote the event on Meredith’s campus. The Walk for Hope is held on the Angus Barn property. At event venue The Bradford, two Meredith alumnae Dana Keck Kadwell, ’06, and Courtney Keck Hopper, ’01, gave event management students a tour of their property in New Hill, N.C. The co-owners were joined by Sales Director Molly Fields for a discussion about their journey of designing, building, and operating one of the region’s most successful wedding venues. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

CAMPUS NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

MILESTONES AND QUICK FACTS

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VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS HELD BY THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

In fall 2020, the Office of Financial Assistance began offering virtual financial assistance (FA) counseling appointments. Families can discuss their financial aid, do a cost estimate, and talk about payment options virtually with their personal FA counselor. In fall 2020 and 2021, counselors held a total of 343 virtual appointments. Given the program’s success, the Financial Assistance team will continue to offer virtual counseling appointments moving forward.

TIMES MEREDITH HAS HELD ITS RETIRED FACULTY/STAFF CELEBRATION

Institutional Advancement hosted the 11th annual Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon this fall. The program portion was held via Zoom and attendees could pick up lunch from Belk Dining Hall. Attendees were thrilled to see old friends and chat with each other. President Jo Allen, ’80, and Vice President for Business and Finance Tammi Jackson delivered a College update to the group.

4,000

STRENGTHS-BASED COACHING ASSESSMENTS

In the seven years since it was launched, StrongPoints®, Meredith’s strengths-based advising and personal coaching model, has made a difference for nearly 3,500 students. Over 500 faculty and staff have also had strengths coaching through StrongPoints.

YEARS SINCE MEREDITH’S ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Created in 1972 to help adult women earn or complete their bachelor’s degrees, Wings – Adult Education at Meredith, known by a variety of names over the years, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. 16

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Hendrix Receives Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Award By Melyssa Allen

ssociate Professor of Mathematics Tim Hendrix is the recipient of the 2022 Nadine Bezuk Excellence in Leadership and Service, which is presented by the national Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). Hendrix was honored with the award during the general session of AMTE’s Annual Conference in February 2022. As the award recipient, Hendrix presented a session during the conference. His talk, Standing on Shoulders – and Lessons We Have Learned, featured lessons learned from conversations with mathematics educators about their philosophy of service and leadership, and ways this might help to see further into the future of mathematics teacher education. The Nadine Bezuk Excellence in Leadership and Service Award recognizes a unique contribution in service that has made a significant and lasting contribution to mathematics teacher education. Hendrix sees this award as a reflection of the influence on his career by mentors and colleagues, both in the organization and more broadly, in the fields of mathematics and mathematics education. “Isaac Newton once said that we understand better scientific advancement by standing on the shoulders of giants. There are so many mentors and colleagues who are such models of service and leadership in our field of mathematics teacher education, and they all have had a huge impact and influence in my life – both professionally and personally,” Hendrix said. “This award is an opportunity for me to try to be a representative of the hard work and love that we all pour into this profession.” Hendrix’s service to AMTE includes six years as executive director, two terms as membership committee chair,

and an appointment as the first AMTE website director. He is also an active member of the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM), having served on its board of directors as a regional president and as statewide vice-president for colleges and universities. Since 2002, Hendrix has been on the faculty at Meredith College, where he teaches a wide range of courses in mathematics and mathematics education and is the mathematics licensure program director. He is also a co-principal investigator (PI) of the NSF-funded S-STEM Scholarship Program, Advancing Women’s Education in STEM (AWE-STEM). The PI on this project is Professor of Mathematics Jennifer Hontz and other co-PIs are Professor of Chemistry Walda Powell, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Maria Pickering, and Dean of the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Liz Wolfinger. He has taught and worked with hundreds of pre-service teachers and in-service teachers in teacher education programs and professional development. His scholarly focus has been on how students transition to advanced mathematical thinking, curriculum development, and the use of technology for conceptual understanding. Hendrix’s colleagues at Meredith are proud of this achievement, said Professor of Mathematics Cammey Manning, head of Meredith’s department of mathematics and computer science. “We congratulate Tim on receiving this award, knowing that the work of AMTE positively impacts many mathematics educators across the country,” said Manning. Hontz also congratulated Hendrix on this honor. “Meredith College is lucky to have such a dedicated mathematics educator as Tim Hendrix,” said

“There are so many mentors and colleagues who are such models of service and leadership in our field of mathematics teacher education, and they all have had a huge impact and influence in my life – both professionally and personally. This award is an opportunity for me to try to be a representative of the hard work and love that we all pour into this profession.” — Tim Hendrix, Associate Professor of Mathematics

Hontz. “It is hard to imagine a better colleague and friend. He is always available to discuss the best methods for teaching mathematics or to offer advice and support to a colleague. He is also an excellent teacher, which makes him the perfect choice for this award.” The Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) is the largest professional organization devoted to the improvement of mathematics teacher education. The organization includes over 1,000 members devoted to the preservice education and professional development of K-12 teachers of mathematics. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

VIRTUAL RECRUITING IS HERE TO STAY TIPS TO HELP YOU THRIVE IN YOUR VIRTUAL JOB SEARCH By: Andrea Wogoman, Employer Relations Coordinator Jane Matthews, Associate Director, Employer Relations Dana Sumner, Director, Office of Career Planning Kristen Pribanich, Assistant Director, Career Development

Many employers have noted cost savings, more efficient use of personnel, and the ability to recruit a more diverse pool of candidates as reasons to stick with virtual recruiting. As you prepare to navigate the job search process in the current environment, consider these best practices for job searching, interviewing, and negotiating in the virtual space.

JOB SEARCHING IN THE VIRTUAL SPACE DO YOUR RESEARCH.

You can learn a lot from exploring an organization’s online presence. What do they list on their website and social media? What are employees posting on LinkedIn? Understanding company culture can help you see where to find your best fit.

TAP INTO YOUR NETWORK.

Around 60% of your job search should be focused on making connections and networking. Identify individuals in your industry of interest and don’t be afraid to reach out for a conversation!

EXPRESS YOUR ADAPTABILITY.

Employers have been adapting to high levels of change, and they want to know that you can, too. Consider how you would like to communicate strategies that helped you manage changes and transitions that came about because of COVID-19.

Be on the lookout for Spring 2022 events hosted by the Office of Career Planning! Alumnae have full access to Handshake, our premier recruiting platform, which includes a calendar of upcoming events. Opportunities to engage and network with employers this spring include Mock Interview Week, Employer Resume Blitz, and a variety of employer panel discussions. 18

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VIRTUAL INTERVIEWING BRING YOUR ENTHUSIASM.

Even if you are not in the same room as your interviewer, you should still bring the same energy and enthusiasm to a virtual interview as you would an in-person interview. Show your excitement about the opportunity through a warm smile and confident body language.

ALWAYS TEST YOUR TECHNOLOGY AHEAD OF TIME. Is software up-to-date? Will devices be adequately charged? Have you tested your mic or synced your headphones to your device? It may help to do a quick practice run with a friend or family member a day or two before the interview.

HONOR YOUR COMMITMENTS.

Don’t forget to actually show up to your interview/meeting! Just because it’s in a virtual format doesn’t mean it’s any less important than an in-person interview. Employers are expecting you to follow through on your commitment. Show that you value the employer’s time by being on time, present, and engaged.

SAY THANK YOU!

After meeting with an employer, even in the virtual space, it’s still imperative to send a thank you note! Employers are busy and receive a lot of messages – one or two paragraphs is perfect.

NEGOTIATING THE JOB OFFER BE WELL-PREPARED.

Research similar roles in your industry so that you have a realistic expectation of current market rates and salary averages. Know your value and determine realistic salary requirements.

CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF REMOTE WORK. Working remotely has its benefits; workers are saving an average of 40-90 minutes per day in commute time! If working remotely or having a flexible schedule is important to you, consider negotiating these options as part of your job offer.

SHARE YOUR WHY.

“I want to achieve this goal and this request will help me do that.” Think about how your ask relates to what you care about most, and how your contributions help your team be successful. This demonstrates that you are ambitious, forward-thinking, and that you care about the organization as a whole.

Material referenced from Handshake and from Ruchi Sinha’s 3 steps to getting what you want in a negotiation | The Way We Work, a TED series, Nov 2021.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNA DEFIED THE ODDS BY STARTING A BUSINESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Suzanne Stanard

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alking into a Silver Shuffles tap class, you can’t help but smile. On this particular day, Sly and the Family Stone’s Everyday People blasts from a speaker, and suddenly it’s impossible to resist the urge to move to the music. Add to that an ebullient instructor in gold-trimmed tap shoes, and you’ll wish you had your own pair handy. “Are you ready to shim-sham?” Brittany Mora, ’10, calls out to the class as they warm up. “Yeah!” they respond emphatically. “How fast do you want to go?” Mora shouts back with a grin, and they all dissolve into laughter as a new song fills the room. Thus begins a typical class for Mora and her students, members of a Durham retirement community who have discovered a new calling – as well as improved health and well-being – as dancers. “I always wanted to learn tap dance as an adult, and in Minnesota I tried to find a class with people my age, but it was just me and 6-year-old girls,” said student Sue Bradley. “When I moved here, I discovered other people interested in tap, and we started class at a nearby studio. But after a couple of months we found Brittany, and the rest is history.”

The Power of Saying Yes “It all kind of came out of nowhere, to be completely honest,” Mora said. After graduating from Meredith with a degree in dance education, she taught

in area public schools for nearly nine years. The job became increasingly stressful, with no improvement in sight, so Mora made the difficult decision to quit and start teaching in private studios. “But I decided that if someone came to me needing help, and I had the skills to help them, I was going to say yes,” she said. “So that’s what I did for a year, I said yes, which is how my first senior community came to me.” A good friend and fellow Meredith dance alumna, Courtney White, ʼ08, contacted Mora with an offer she never expected: A group of retirees needed a tap instructor. Mora said yes and started teaching in October 2019. The class of four students quickly grew to eight, and the “Prime Time Tappers” ensemble was born. In February 2020, their debut performance to Come On, Let’s Go by Ritchie Valens was a hit among their audience of friends and neighbors. Then everything screeched to a halt. Their homeowners’ association shut down all activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “So all of a sudden, this retirement community that had promised a robust social calendar with lots of activities could offer nothing,” Mora said. “This was really tricky because most of these people had moved here from the North and didn’t have family nearby. “And for me, as a brand new independent

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

Being a part of the excitement that my students feel when they perform, I can't help but get swept up in that. It’s easy to see they are having the time of their lives, and that is everything to me.” — Brittany Mora, ’10

Watch to learn more about Silver Shuffles.

contractor, I suddenly didn't have a job.” But then she started receiving surprise checks in the mail. Her students were continuing to pay for her services even though she couldn’t teach. Stunned, she asked them why. “They said, ‘We want you to be here when this is over.’”

Silver Shuffles Is Born It wasn’t long before Mora started teaching classes outside. The Creekside Tappers gathered in cul-desacs and on sidewalks in their neighborhood, dancing on handmade plywood tap boards. Audiences would pop up to watch, perched in lawn chairs. Word spread quickly, and Mora started teaching five more classes, including jazz, low-impact cardio, and functional movement. When the weather was bad, classes would meet online, and in some cases, the dancers mastered entire routines through Zoom. “I’ve had a lot of dance teachers in my life, and Brittany is one of the best,” said Cindy Schreiner. “Her instruction, with all

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of the intricacies of the steps, has helped my brain. I used to never be able to do the word jumbles in the newspaper, and now I can, because of dance.” Mary Stella Cronberger agreed, adding, “This is more than just exercise. It is joyful movement.” By October 2020, Mora couldn’t keep ignoring the urge to turn her teaching into a business. “One of my students said to me, ‘You know, Brittany, I think you might be onto something here. You should think about starting a business.’ I instantly dismissed the idea. And then later it hit me – oh my gosh he’s right.” So she filed the LLC paperwork and officially started her dance business, Silver Shuffles. White joined her, and they expanded the business through various studio partnerships in Wake Forest, Raleigh, and Garner. They hired eight other instructors, including three Meredith alumnae: dance majors Nikki Giovanni Turner, ’08, and Megan Beachem, ʼ19, and exercise and

sports science major Maggie Best, ʼ21. “Courtney is amazing, and she never stopped doing all the other things that she did before jumping in to help me,” Mora said. “She recently stepped away from Silver Shuffles to fully return to her life and other commitments. I’ll always be grateful to her.” At a time when well-established small businesses struggled to stay afloat, Silver Shuffles thrived, providing much-needed community during the isolating early months of the pandemic. “We very much helped each other,” Mora said. Her students have given a variety of outdoor performances in their neighborhood, ranging from a lively In the Mood routine to a spooky Thriller number. “I really didn’t think I could perform in front of others,” said Jan Jarrett. “But Brittany and the girls in the class really gave me the encouragement I needed to get out there. It was a wonderful experience. I never thought I would be able to do that.”

A Lifelong Passion Starting with ballet at the age of 3, Mora excelled throughout her childhood in different types of dance. In high school, she was also a star athlete competing in three varsity sports. When it came time to think about college, the prospect of a track and field scholarship was tempting, Mora said, but she felt pulled toward dance. She chose Meredith for its strong programs in the arts, not knowing exactly what she would study. Her ‘aha moment’ came at the beginning of her second year, when she discovered Meredith’s dance education major. “I look at myself now, and I feel like a completely different person than when I started at Meredith,” she said. “I didn’t fully realize at the time how rigorous Meredith’s education program is compared to others. “When I started my first job after graduating, I felt so much more prepared than all of the other new teachers I was surrounded by, in every way. I was equipped not only to teach steps and movement, but also the history and culture of dance. I received an incredibly well-rounded education.”

Finding Purpose As vaccines became available and COVID-19 restrictions began to lift, Silver Shuffles class participation began to fluctuate. But despite the roller-coaster experience of getting a small business off the ground during a pandemic, growth has been steady. Mora says she remains hopeful the business will continue to flourish. “The whole reason I started teaching dance in public school was because I felt like it was an underserved population. So it was really hard for me to step away from the children. I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. “But this experience with Silver Shuffles has helped me realize I’ve had a purpose all along. I’m still serving an underserved population. It just looks different.” Her favorite part of the job? The relationships, hands-down. “Being a part of the excitement that my students feel when they perform, I can't help but get swept up in that,” Mora said. “It’s easy to see they are having the time of their lives, and that is everything to me.” Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

STUDY ABROAD RETURNS AFTER PANDEMIC PAUSE

MEREDITH STUDENTS SHOW PERSISTENCE, POSITIVITY, AND FLEXIBILITY WHILE SPENDING THE FALL SEMESTER IN ITALY, THE U.K., AND FRANCE By Melyssa Allen

In early 2020, when the coronavirus now known as COVID-19 was just entering public consciousness, Meredith’s Office of International Programs (OIP) was already focusing on how this new illness might affect international students and study abroad.

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he OIP has been completely immersed in COVID-19 work since January 2020,” said Director of International Programs Brooke Shurer. “Our decision-making process throughout has been to collect daily information from multiple sources, including the CDC, State Department, Overseas Security Advisory Council, the World Health Organization, professional listservs, and many other informational resources on travel safety.” At the height of the pandemic, the difficult decision was made to put study abroad programs on hiatus. OIP staff continued to monitor conditions both abroad and in the U.S. with the intention of bringing back semester and summer programs once it was deemed safe to do so. Student health was the primary concern in the decision.

Staying Connected to Sansepolcro Another priority during the hiatus was maintaining the decades-long relationship Meredith has had with the town of Sansepolcro, where the College’s Italy study abroad programs are based. Catherine Rodgers, ’76, director of Meredith in Italy, contacted Sansepolcro officials to make sure this connection wasn’t lost while study abroad was on pause. “Dr. Betty Webb, my friend and mentor, suggested that I reach out to the mayor or town council during the early days of the pandemic,” Rodgers said. “I wrote a letter to them in April of 2020, telling them how much we missed being there and assuring them that we would return as soon as we could do so safely.” Rodgers’ letter was published in a Sansepolcro newsletter. “They responded to my note with another one, sending us their love and support,” Rodgers said. “Our relationship with the beautiful people of Sansepolcro remains strong despite our twoyear hiatus caused by the pandemic.” Shurer quotes a study abroad peer ambassador Ally Cefalu, ’22, who said, “Meredith’s relationship with the town of Sansepolcro transcends borders, languages, and even pandemics.”

Learning from Campus Success

Paris, France

After careful consideration and with safety protocols in place, study abroad programs restarted in fall 2021. Getting to that point required a lot of planning and patience. “We had to embrace the challenge to reimagine what ‘pandemic resilient’ study Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

Paris, France

Venice, Italy

Anghiari, Italy

Photo courtesy of Jalyn Shahid-EL, ’21

Arezzo, Italy

Italy photos courtesy of Dora Fromer, ’23

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abroad looks like,” Shurer said. “We have worked tirelessly to offer the safest, healthiest, most academically engaging, and most interculturally immersive opportunities we can.” The OIP consulted with Meredith colleagues who have helped the College offer an on-campus experience in Raleigh that is as safe as possible during COVID-19. “We wanted to gather lessons learned and best practices from the Raleigh campus to understand the strategies that helped Meredith to succeed,” Shurer said. This included leaning on resources across campus, what Shurer calls a “shared campus commitment to safety,” which meant meeting with academic leaders and stakeholders in numerous departments. “We began by meeting with many of our wonderful colleagues from Mary Johnson, director of health services, to the great folks in Facilities Services, to the Dining Hall's David Penney,” said Rodgers. “All of them shared their knowledge of COVID-19 protocols and safe practices, which we have adopted in the palazzo.” They also took advantage of professional organizations and resources in the field. “I met regularly with AACUPI (American Association of College and University Programs in Italy) and, along with other study abroad providers, helped to develop a handbook of the latest information concerning the new rules and regulations instituted because of the pandemic,” Rodgers said.

In addition to best practices, it was imperative that OIP stay knowledgeable about changes abroad as well. “As you can imagine, it really was and continues to be a moving target because there are new Italian mandates and laws almost daily as the pandemic continues,” Rodgers said. “Sara Andreini, our [onsite] associate director of Meredith in Italy, was invaluable since she was the person responsible for making sure these changes were made and that we remained in compliance with the new rules.” Another factor in a safe study abroad experience was the pre-departure orientation provided to the fall 2021 students. This group had approximately 10 hours of predeparture orientation workshops from the OIP, study abroad faculty, and affiliate program providers, to help them prepare.

Meredith Returns to Italy In fall 2021, there were six students in Meredith’s faculty-led semester program in Sansepolcro, Italy, in the Palazzo Alberti, and two students participating in affiliate programs in France and the United Kingdom. They had originally applied to study abroad in February 2020 for the fall program that was canceled. “This group had remarkable persistence, maturity, flexibility, and resilience to wait for so long for study abroad to become a reality,” Shurer said. Professor of Art History Beth Mulvaney served as faculty in residence during the fall. The students in the semester program

were Kristin Burroughs, Angelina Morin, Hannah Tarkelly, Dora Fromer, Kimberly Jarvis, and Alexandria Rosenzweig. They are all members of the Class of 2023. The student travelers recognized the work that went into bringing study abroad back in a safe way. “Preparing for Italy was very easy because the staff and faculty were accommodating and made the process smooth,” said Jarvis. “While things may have been different because of COVID-19, it didn’t hinder us in any way, other than being cautious. We were able to experience just as much as anyone else.” Mulvaney said the semester had much in common with previous study abroad programs she led before the pandemic. “We enjoyed almost all the same opportunities as we have in previous years; the only difference is that we decided to limit all independent travel during the semester to Italy,” Mulvaney said. The purpose of the independent travel opportunities is to allow students to “learn to travel” by planning their own trips. They were still able to build those skills – choosing a destination, booking transportation and accommodations, and learning to read train tables – while experiencing more of Italy. “Italy has so much to offer, and the truth is we still wouldn’t have enough time to do all we might have wanted to do even limiting ourselves to Italy,” Mulvaney said. She also notes that Sansepolcro’s residents were happy about the return of Meredith’s program.

Venice, Italy

Photo courtesy of Dora Fromer, ’23 Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

Stonehenge, Salisbury, England England photos courtesy of Alison Bunce, ’22

Bath, England

“Of course, our ‘home’ town of Sansepolcro welcomed us with open arms and our students enjoyed getting to know locals and making new friends, just like students of the past,” Mulvaney said. In fact, the mayor of Sansepolcro met with Mulvaney, Andreini, and the students during the fall program, another unique opportunity for this year. Mulvaney is proud of the students who made up the fall 2021 class of the Meredith in Italy program. “This group of six are pioneers who will triumph despite a pandemic. They were kind and thoughtful toward one another. They took time to express their appreciation for each other, for our time together, for our time in Sansepolcro, and for the kindnesses shown to them by people across Italy,” Mulvaney said. “They each grew in our time there and I so enjoyed watching the transformations. It is a group that produced laughter, provided support for one another, and is courageous in approaching the future.” After the pandemic changed the typical college experience, Mulvaney said the semester in Italy was particularly meaningful. “Because they only experienced one and a half semesters of in-person learning before the pandemic, during study abroad they were just beginning to explore some aspects of what it means to be a Meredith student,” Mulvaney said. “They savored their experiences. They did not take them for granted.” Mulvaney saw a transformation in the students. “When I think back to our first few group pranzi (lunches), they were a completely different group,” she said. “I would anticipate lunchtime discussions of what they had seen, learned, and experienced. And they came ready for that.”

Affiliate Students Have Successful Experience

Alison Bunce, ’22

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In addition to the Italy students in a Meredith faculty-led program, two students studied abroad through approved affiliates. Alison Bunce, ’22, studied in Bath, England, and Jalyn Shahid-EL, ’21, studied in France. The ways Bunce and Shahid-EL described their experiences were similar to those of students studying abroad pre-pandemic. Their goals were to learn, experience other cultures, and meet others from around the world.

“I wanted to improve my French and eat fresh foods in France, which is exactly what happened. Every day my use of French improved, and I ate healthy foods and learned about their importance in French cuisine,” Shahid-EL said. “The best part was meeting other students from around the world. I now have friends from Japan, Spain, Ecuador, other states in the U.S., and of course, France.” Bunce was able to take classes including acting for the stage and British detective fiction, while doing an internship at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, where she put her mass communication major to work helping design social media plans and posts while also getting to spend time helping to socialize dogs and cats. “[Before studying abroad], I was

looking forward to taking my classes at Advanced Studies in England (ASE) and living in a city I have never been to before (plus my internship!),” Bunce said. “I was also very excited to be in a city where I could walk anywhere. It was so easy to meet friends for coffee or dinner since we were all within walking distance of everything. There were so many shops, historic sites, and cafés to explore.”

Being Good Global Citizens The pandemic has proven the importance of the kinds of international experiences that are provided through global education. “If the pandemic has taught me anything, it is that the world really is a small place and we all have to be good global citizens in order to preserve it. Teaching our students how to be good global citizens is more important now

than ever before,” Rodgers said. “Learning respect for and appreciation of other people and their cultures, discovering that there is more to life than just my own experience, are key goals in educating the 21st-century student. International education and study abroad will continue to be the cornerstone of that education.” Mulvaney believes Meredith’s fall 2021 study abroad students proved themselves to be good examples to others. “In a time that has been filled with anxiety, fear, and isolation, international education allows students to grow beyond fears, anxieties, and isolation to learn that they are able to operate safely while still traveling and learning,” Mulvaney. “International education also allows our students to be positive ambassadors of Meredith and the United States.”

Meredith Alumnae Travel Resumes In addition to the return of study abroad, the Meredith Alumnae Travel program is also bringing back international travel opportunities. In 2022, trips to England’s West Country and to Northern Italy are on the agenda. Visit meredith.edu/alumnae/meredith-travel-program for details and the latest information. Contact Taylor Wilson Twine, ’13, at (919) 760-8712 or twtwine@meredith.edu with any questions.

Photo courtesy of Alison Bunce, ’22

Bath, England

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

Four work tables on wheels, allowing flexibility when teaching and learning

LEARNING IN A REAL-WORLD ENVIRONMENT STATE-OF-THE-ART LAB PREPARES STUDENTS FOR CAREERS By Emily Parker

As students walk into the newly renovated Nutrition Lab in Martin Hall, they see a space that underwent a major transformation in 2021 because of a gift from Roy Nifong, father of Marianne Nifong Raker, ’72, who was a home economics major at Meredith. The gift is in memory of his wife and Raker’s mother, Grace. The Nifongs always considered education a top priority and are pleased to give current and future students a state-of-the-art lab facility.

A large dry storage

Walk-in freezer and refrigerator

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he lab before the renovation served the needs of students for decades, but through the years food and nutrition majors have changed as they have become more entrepreneurial and focused on a commercial food service environment instead of a home-based curriculum. The Wake County Health Department was consulted on the design of the new lab so the entire project was built to health department standards and simulates the environment students will work in once they graduate from Meredith in areas such as nutrition education, sales, food service management, public policy or health fields, and the local and sustainable food industry. The space is also serving Meredith students in the hospitality and tourism management program interested in event management and culinary arts and it will help students prepare to take the national professional examination to become a registered dietitian. The entire space was demolished and the area expanded into the adjacent hallway beginning in May 2021. The bigger space provides an open feeling between the classroom and the actual kitchen. All new gas lines, electrical, water, and drain systems were installed. Equipment and tables are on wheels, so everything can be moved around, allowing flexibility when teaching and learning.

THE LAB CONTAINS

Countertop flat grill

4-burner induction range • Built for low-vision students • Only one in Raleigh • Only heats up molecules of iron, so it is cool to the touch

Food warmer

• Boils water in 60 seconds

Countertop charbroiler

Our students are learning the differences between a commercial kitchen and a home kitchen in respect to how they operate and how they need to be managed. The skills they are developing in our renovated nutrition lab will carry them into their careers and require less training and skill acquisition in the workplace since these are integral parts of the courses utilizing this space.” — Rachel Findley, director of the didactic program in dietetics Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

A full-size hood system was installed with a dedicated air conditioning unit, complete with new ductwork for the HVAC and the exhaust hood system. The hood is equipped with a top-of-the-line Ansel fire extinguisher system and pull-out panels so professors can teach students how to clean and what health inspectors look for during an inspection. The system is

Combi-Oven, which can roast, steam, and air fry

• Energy efficient • Quiet • Equipped with a dedicated make-up system

30-gallon kettle

Take a walk through the new Nutrition Lab. 32

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Double convection oven

6 sinks

2 dishwashers

Three 6-burner gas ranges

Fryer

Tilting braising skillet that can fill with water bath for canning

To see construction photos of the new spaces, visit meredith.edu/campus-growth. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

MEREDITH PHILANTHROPY MAKING AN IMPACT

Alumna Gift to Support Health and Wellness Initiative By Emily Parker

Photo by Goodnight Gracie Photography

eredith College has received a five-year gift from Deborah Stanley McNeill, ’71, focusing on a new health and wellness initiative promoting the wide array of healthrelated academic programs as well as services that help students, faculty, and staff with overall physical and mental health. This gift will help support and prepare more students to take advantage of the growth in healthcare occupations expected to add approximately 2.6 million jobs by 2030. In particular, McNeill is passionate about raising awareness of mental health and supporting mental health services on college campuses. Deborah graduated with a sociology degree from Meredith. Her interest in social work was expanded through her minor in home economics. Dr. Marilyn

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Stuber’s classes in child development, marriage, and the family heightened her interest. She went on to receive a master’s in counseling from East Carolina University. After marrying Sandy McNeill and living in Chapel Hill while he finished pharmacy school at UNC-Chapel Hill, they both began careers in Wilmington, N.C. Deborah was a school social worker in the New Hanover County school system. She was the first to hold the position, and Sandy worked for Professional Pharmacy. A few years later they moved back to their hometown of Whiteville, N.C. She worked at Southeastern Regional Mental Health as a social worker and director of the substance abuse program. Sandy began expanding his family’s historic drug store, which dates back to 1875, and started a company that became Liberty Healthcare. Individuals’ physical and mental health is important to the McNeills, making this a fitting gift to support Meredith’s current and future students. For this recent gift, she honored her parents because they always encouraged her college interests and saw the value of education, and graciously paid for her college expenses. “My parents did not have the opportunity to attend college although they were intelligent, motivated, self-educated people who became quite successful in real estate in their community of Columbus County. My father was among the first realtors

“I hope this gift will be helpful to students in need of these services through new programs, additional counseling opportunities, and wellness initiatives. I also am pleased that it will focus on 21st-century healthcare needs and prepare students for careers.” — Deborah Stanley McNeill, ’71 in Columbus County and my mother was the first female realtor.” Deborah has been a consistent donor through the years. In 1997, the McNeills created the Deborah Stanley McNeill Scholarship endowment so that students have opportunities to study at Meredith that they may otherwise not have. “My heart always goes to those in need, and if I can help with their educational pursuits, I want to do that.” Deborah also supports the Class of 1971’s Wallace Lecture Endowment. This class endowment has brought outstanding speakers to campus and her personal favorite was hearing Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2019. “My class and I support this fund so that all students can have the opportunity to be inspired by worldclass speakers.” Student needs are always in the

forefront of her thoughts when considering her gifts to Meredith College. “One of my favorite things about Meredith as a student was the close friendships that developed through participation in campus life, and after graduation reuniting with my classmates later in life and connecting over our mutual love for Meredith College. If my gift can help students today and in the future have a healthy, positive experience at Meredith, I will be pleased.”

PROGRAMMING & SUPPORT EXAMPLES Academic Majors & Resources • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Biology Chemistry Child Development Dietetic Internship Exercise & Sports Science Food & Nutrition Mathematics M.S. in Psychology | I-O Concentration M.S. in Nutrition Meredith Autism Program (MAP) New Building: Exercise & Sports Science & Communication Nutrition Lab Public Health Pre-Professional Health Psychology Social Work Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Support Services • • • • • •

Chaplain Counseling Center Disability Services Health Center Meredith Autism Program (MAP) StrongPoints®

Programming and Support • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anxiety and Depression Screening Dickson Foundation Community Garden Daisy Trade First-Year Discovery Programs Koru Mindfulness Training Lowery Fitness Center Peer Educators Advocating Responsible Lifestyles (Pearls) Safezone Training Sexual Assault Awareness Week Southern Smash Eating Disorder Awareness Program Staying Strong – COVID-19 Prevention Suicide Prevention Training Therapy Dog Training Working on Wellness (WOW)

Learn more about health and wellness at Meredith, and read student success stories by visiting meredith.edu/hwmc.

SUPPORT MEREDITH Gifts to Meredith College make a difference to the entire Meredith community and keep our students going strong! Visit meredith.edu/support to learn ways you can 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. Also learn how you can volunteer and what future events you may be interested in attending. Connect with other alumnae and students through the Meredith Mentors program. Visit meredith.edu/support to stay connected and reach out to an Institutional Advancement staff member to assist you if you have questions. To make a gift, visit community.meredith.edu/supportmc.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

MEREDITH PHILANTHROPY MAKING AN IMPACT

Beloved Faculty Member Creates Endowed Professorship By Emily Parker

recent $500,000 gift from Marilyn and Charles Stuber will endow a professorship in Human and Environmental Sciences for Meredith College. The Dr. Marilyn M. Stuber and Dr. Charles W. Stuber Endowed Professorship will recognize outstanding contributions and accomplishments to a professor in his or her academic discipline within the department of Human Environmental Sciences. “My primary reason for the endowment is to honor Marilyn for all of her great accomplishments during her time at Meredith,” said Charles. “The Marilyn Stuber Scholarship fund that helps support Human and Environmental Sciences students was established in 1995 and we believe this new endowment will help recruit outstanding faculty members.” Marilyn Stuber saw a lot of change during her time teaching at Meredith in the Home Economics Department, currently the Human Environmental Sciences department. From 1965-95 she taught countless students and just two years into her tenure she became chair of the Home Economics Department. Her department grew from two faculty members to almost 20 faculty members by 1995. Faculty were instrumental in strategically reshaping and adding courses, majors, and minors through the years for women to have professional skills and to have employment outside the home. It was a major shift from the early days in the department when home economics was seen as a way for women to improve their family life at home. Examples of change under her leadership include a new child development course in 1965 and a marriage and family relationships course in 1968, both taught by Stuber, which provided the beginnings for the child development major that started in 1988. In the late 1960s, the beginnings of interior design courses started to

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President Jo Allen with the Stuber family

appear in the department as well. A house planning and furnishings course that started in 1928 became a housing and equipment class. An art course in interior design was moved to the Home Economics Department in 1967 and a new course, household furnishings laboratory, taught students about making draperies and refinishing and reupholstering furniture. In the 1970s, under Marilyn’s leadership, the home economics field moved away from general areas of focus and into more specialized fields of study, and by 1982, six concentrations were added in child development and family relations, clothing and fashion merchandising, consumer resource management, foods and nutrition, interior design and housing, and general home economics. The growth in the 1970s is evident in the number of graduates. In 1970, there were 29 Meredith College home economics graduates in a total class of 216 graduates or 13% of the graduating seniors. By 1990, there were 167 home economics graduates in a class of 553 or 30% of the graduating class. Interestingly enough, there was a decline in home economics majors across the country at this time. Under Stuber’s watch faculty continued to find ways to thrive and teach students for careers that were in demand. In 1987, the nutrition program was fully approved by the American Dietetic Association. In 1988, majors were added to the home economics curriculum.

Concentrations from 1982 became majors and 1994 was an important year for the interior design program. The accrediting team from the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research notified the department that it had received the maximum six-year accreditation. Meredith’s program was one of two accredited programs in North Carolina. In 1995, Marilyn retired after spending 28 years as chairperson of the department. The department grew leaps and bounds under her leadership and the faculty she mentored helped many students graduate into careers that are making a difference in North Carolina, the country, and the world. With this recent gift, the Stubers are supporting faculty once again and will give generations of students the opportunity to learn from outstanding faculty. “This generous gift of an endowed professorship in Human Environmental Sciences will regularly support faculty and their work, enriching teaching and research opportunities for years to come. Rewards reaped from this professorship will definitely enrich the academic environment and help us attract strong students in the multidisciplinary programs of this department,” said Matthew Poslusny, senior vice president and provost. “This is such a critical investment in people and programs and a lasting tribute to the legacy of Dr. Marilyn Stuber and her family.”

Parents and Families Projects Make an Immediate Impact By Emily Parker

ince 2010 parents and families at Meredith College have supported a campus project each year that benefits all students in some way. These projects have enabled Meredith to improve spaces and launch programs that contribute to a positive experience during students’ time on campus. The projects each year are identified by students, and investments from parents, grandparents, and Parents and Families Council members give Meredith funding to make improvements immediately. “Annual parents and families projects have made a significant impact on Meredith students,” said Kim Whitley, ’85, parent and reunion gift officer. “Without the support of many families, these projects would not have been possible. We invite all parents and families to be a part of these projects that continue to make Meredith students strong!” Carroll Hall was chosen as the Parents and Families Project the last two years because of the importance of physical and mental health to all Meredith students. Meredith’s Health, Counseling, and Disability Services, housed in Carroll Hall, have seen unprecedented demand as students have dealt with neverimagined challenges since March 2020 and more demand has been placed on the staff and facilities that provide these critical services. In 2020-21, $55,000 was raised to purchase an electronic records system for student privacy and security and staff efficiency. The goal for 2021-22 is $50,000 and parents and families have

already raised $29,415. The funds will be used to provide needed upgrades to facilities such as a new air filtration system, new furnishings, and funds to hire and train additional staff. “Dean and I were very pleased to hear the Parents and Families Project selected this year was Carroll Hall. The facilities have not been updated in many years and health records are still on paper, a very burdensome system for both the staff and students,” said Gail Bunce, parent of Alison Bunce, ’22. “Add in the opportunity to support counseling with additional staff that are needed during this pandemic and the chance to improve the health facility to be a safe and welcoming place for students and staff is why we decided to support this year's project.” A project to enhance campus security was also embraced by parents and families in 2018. “During the enrollment process of our daughter Celia in the spring of 2018, we were highly impressed by the curriculum and many of the programs offered at Meredith College. However, one element that we considered during the college selection process is the safety of the campus and although Meredith had a great reputation for safety, we felt campus security needed improvement,” said Maria Kofsky. “We were pleased when we learned that the Parents and Families Project selected for 2018 was enhanced campus security and the funds were used to add to the increased safety of the campus such as the installation of an electric stop arm at the guard house for nighttime hours.”

Whitley appreciates parents’ and families’ engagement with the campus community and the strong tradition of financial support of the Parents and Families Fund. “Parents and families who give back to Meredith serve as a testament to the unique strengths of the Meredith experience,” said Whitley.

PAST PARENTS AND FAMILIES PROJECTS • Meredith’s Health, Counseling, and Disability Services, housed in Carroll Hall • Meredith Mentors – Meredith’s exclusive student-alumnae online networking platform • Enhanced security at the Hillsborough Street gate that enabled 24-hour campus security • Lowery Fitness Center – funding from parents and families joined with other donor funds to convert unused pool area to state-ofthe-art fitness center for classes, athletic training, and use by students and employees • Fitness center program enhancements and extended operating hours • New campus lighting that provided heightened campus security • Lower Belk Dining Hall restoration that provided needed flexible meeting space to accommodate a variety of group sizes • Cate Student Center renovations • Fannie E.S. Heck Fountain restoration

If you are interested in giving to this year’s project, your charitable contribution will make a difference in the lives of our students. Your support will strengthen the Health Center experience for our students and campus community. Please make a gift at community.meredith.edu/parents-fund. To learn more about the Parents and Families Fund and Parents and Families Council visit meredith.edu/support/the-parents-and-families-fund.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION Class notes and news for Meredith Alumnae 1951

Mary Bland Josey is currently in her sixth year of living at The Oaks at Whitaker Glen, a retirement community in Raleigh, N.C., about a mile east of Five Points and Hayes Barton Baptist Church, which were both landmarks even in Josey's student days at Meredith. Josey spends most weekends devoted to special reading, usually biographies. Within the past year, she has especially enjoyed the biographies of Dante, Geoffrey Chaucer, and John Milton. These well-written books have so effectively described the time and place of the designated literary figure that while reading, Josey often finds herself transported back in time to that era – a satisfactory replacement, in light of her age, for the European travel she did so many years ago. Josey is thankful to Meredith College for providing her with the kind of education that makes her appreciate this kind of reading. The excitement Josey felt while reading about Chaucer and the 14th century made her grateful again for her English and Shakespeare professor, Dr. Julia Hamlet Harris, who planted the seed for Josey’s later excitement from this reading. Rebecca Knott McKinley's memory is keeping alive two significant events that happened during the first week of October 2021. McKinley's three children, now middle-aged adults, traveled from their homes in the Republic of South Africa, Mississippi, and Durham, N.C. to visit. The scene of the three sorting through hundreds of photos spread on the dining room table in her Apex townhome is unforgettable for McKinley. The second great memory was the Golden Oaks Society Luncheon held during the rescheduled Alumnae Reunion Weekend at Meredith College where McKinley joined with two class-

mates, Mary Bland Josey and Betty Rogers Atkinson, to celebrate their 70th class reunion. McKinley reports that her cane and Atkinson's wheelchair did not prevent them from enjoying the campus tour, thanks to previous arrangements made by Josey and attentive personnel from the Alumnae Office. Jean Batten Cooper writes that her dear companion passed away recently at the age of 102. Barbara Jones Cummings smiled when she received the message calling for notes from her class historian, Dot White Hartley, because Cummings is writing her memoir. Her grandson helped Cummings in subscribing to Storyworth, a program that helps guide her in this writing. Going through her annuals and albums has been such a good time, and she looks forward to sharing her stories with her grandson as she goes along. After having a pacemaker implanted and both knees replaced after years of gardening, Barbara Dee DeLouise is chugging along nicely. DeLouise sold her home in Bethesda, Md., and moved nearby to a small retirement community known as Kensington Park. She enjoys the meals that are provided for her and often attends activities on campus, including speakers, musicians, and films. In order to keep in shape and stay active, DeLouise attempts to do a daily workout, takes walks in the nice weather, and swims at a nearby pool where her grandson often lifeguards. Now that activities are starting to open up again, DeLouise is hopeful for the return of live music! DeLouise also enjoys reading The Washington Post, along with the Sunday New York Times. She has recently been reading the autobiography of a fellow church member. Dot White Hartley has been keeping busy! She has been taking a class in writing her memoirs. The last memoir Hartley wrote was about her family renting a longboat in 1972 to

explore the canals in Great Britain. Her husband had been invited to spend a year in Cambridge, England. They thought they could see everything in a year, but they hardly scratched the surface! Hartley had four sons, which meant they visited many castles. Her sons wanted to go on the Tardebrigge flights of locks, the longest in England. There were thirty locks, which meant 60 gates that were opened and closed by the people in the boat. Hartley writes that her sons got very good at this task! When Hartley and her husband returned to Cambridge, he was reading The Manchester Guardian while eating his lunch and noticed an article celebrating 200 years of the canals. They quickly realized the photos were of their family! Hartley wrote The Guardian, and the paper sent her more photos they had taken.

1958

Betsy Lane Cochrane's granddaughter graduated with honors from the College of Charleston in just three years. Her granddaughter was married in Mount Pleasant, S.C., in March of 2020 and now lives in Moncks Corner, S.C., while serving with Campus Outreach at Charleston Southern University. Cochrane's only grandson graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2020, where he played soccer for four years. He works for Northwest Mutual Insurance in their Greensboro office. Cochrane's twin granddaughters are in college! They are attending East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Cochrane and her husband are so proud of their grandchildren and thankful for the joyful experiences they have added. Susan Moss Grigg's husband has recovered well since his open-heart surgery in March 2021. They are feeling more safe seeing friends and family since they have both been

Compiled by the Office of Alumnae Relations from July 30 through November 12, 2021. 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 Digital Summer 2022 issue is April 1, 2022. Submissions received after this date will appear in the Fall 2022 issue.

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vaccinated and had their booster shots. Grigg's granddaughter graduated from North Carolina State University and is working in Savannah, Ga. Grigg's grandson is studying chemistry at North Carolina State University. Soon, Grigg will become a great-grandmother! Another grandson and granddaughter are expecting new arrivals soon. Margaret Grimm Perley and her husband are enjoying life on their farm in Virginia. They are still working at their small landscape business, which keeps them both active and very busy. Perley reports they are blessed with good health, four children, seven grandchildren, and six greatgrandchildren as well as two dogs and a cat. Molly James Sloan is enjoying life at The Pines in Davidson, N.C. She recalls many good memories from her Meredith days! Dale Caspari Swisher has seen a lot of changes in the past 63 years! After deciding to study chemistry at Meredith, she was married in her last year of college. Swisher became a mother at 20-yearsold. Later, two more boys followed. Swisher now has three grandsons, one granddaughter, and a great-grandson. Although Swisher's husband passed away two weeks short of their 50th wedding anniversary, she is thankful to have her family close. Swisher has held various positions in her career, including high school chemistry teacher and environmental paralegal. She is currently spending her time staying active in an animal rescue group and is a member of her Community Emergency Response Team in town. Swisher has also spent time researching legal cannabis and educating herself on the interesting subject. Shirley Strother Taylor's son reports that he and his sister moved Taylor from Greensboro to Asheboro in June of 2021. He shares that Taylor is happy and doing well. Virginia Byrne Tedder sometimes wonders if she dreamed that she graduated from Meredith! She writes that this memory seems like a 'blur' in the last quarter of her life. Tedder continues to stay connected with Virginia Stone Thomas, whom she has known since elementary school, along with Linda Smith Parker. Tedder and Parker have not seen each other since a 50th wedding anniversary celebration but stay in frequent communication through email and phone calls. Tedder has been in Greensboro since 1963 when the first of her two sons were

MEREDITH TRAVEL – THE VIVE LA DIFFÉRENCE TOUR: MEREDITH TRAVELS TO FRANCE, LATE SPRING 2023 To go to France and only see Paris? Tragique! To go to France and NOT see Paris? Impardonnable! We are calling our spring 2023 tour the “Vive la Différence” tour because it will include the best of both. Arriving in Paris, we will see the fabled collections of Impressionist paintings of Monet in the city’s museums – but also venture into the countryside to Giverny to stroll through his fabulous gardens. To dine in fine city restaurants is a requirement, but so, too, is going to the source of that food and wine for wine tastings in the country. Spend nights in the bustle of the City of Lights? Oui! But also spend a night surrounded by the solitude found inside the medieval walls of a Mont St. Michel without tourists? Magique! From the Battle of Hastings, 1066, as depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, to the memorial sites of World War II in Normandy, from Medieval to modern, from the urban heart of France to its stunning coasts, the 13-day Vive la Différence tour will include new experiences for everyone.

FALL 2023 TOUR SNEAK PEEK Our fall 2023 Meredith Travel Program trip for alumnae and friends will be to Spain and Morocco – two countries less than 10 miles and a thousand light-years apart. Stay tuned for the details of this exciting sojourn. For updates on the Meredith Travel Program, visit meredith.edu/ alumnae/meredith-travel-program or contact Taylor Twine, '13, associate director of alumnae relations, at twtwine@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8712.

meredith.edu/alumnae Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION born. Parker has four granddaughters and three great-grandsons. Tedder says she had the best husband in the world who sadly passed away in May of 2019. Since none of her children live close by, Tedder is dependent on today's technology for staying in touch.

1961

Jennie Turlington Spell attended the Golden Oaks Society Luncheon with Pat Rhue Bickel during the fall Alumnae Reunion Weekend. Bryna Barrett Bozart-Barnes has retired from hospital chaplaincy at the Charlotte Spirituality Center. She is enjoying life with her family and church community. BozartBarnes also enjoys coast and mountain trips. She recently celebrated the arrival of her newest great-grandchild!

1963

Velma McGee Ferrell and her husband are grateful for their health and the health of their family and friends. Ferrell spends many hours of her week at the sewing machine, creating items for sale at WomanCraft, a local co-op of which she is a member. She enjoys the time spent with the members in their shop. This interesting group of women is made up of many fine artists. Ferrell has also been spending time volunteering at the Orange County, N.C., courthouse, learning a great deal about the criminal justice system. Each week, Ferrell observes weekly first appearance court sessions, collecting data that they hope will result in helping to create a more just and less punitive criminal justice system. During her free time, Ferrell enjoys regular walks, attending yoga classes, and playing games on her phone. She hopes to reunite with her classmates soon. Philecta Clarke Staton is proud to report that in May 2021, Katherine Weede Griggs received the prestigious Order of the Silver Crescent, which is South Carolina's highest civilian award for significant contributions, leadership, volunteerism, and lifelong influence within a region or community. The Order of the Silver Crescent is a once-in-alifetime achievement. Griggs grew up in Cheraw, S.C. She spent two years with the Peace Corps in India followed by several years at their Washington, D.C. headquarters. She returned to Cheraw and lived there until January 2021, when she moved to Winston-Salem, N.C.

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1965

On October 9, 2021, following their attendance at some of the weekend reunion activities for the Class of 1965, Polly Finan Laubinger and Glenda Brown Worley enjoyed a repeat of and additions to their 2019 trip to Blowing Rock and Boone. The former suitemates shopped a bit, visited the Mast Store Annex and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, sampled the offerings at four wineries (Raffaldini, Grandfather, Banner Elk, and Linville Falls), and visited a friend. What a fun few days!

1968

Happy Neal Goethert had a busy summer! She spent the summer trying to accommodate the weather and farming needs. She enjoys keeping in touch with her classmates through occasional Zoom meetings. Goethert finds that reuniting from a distance more often has been fun and rewarding! After retiring from CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, Alma Jo Hall Langston is enjoying her time. She stays busy visiting her family, including her daughter in Denver, Colo., and her son in Raleigh, N.C. Langston is eager for the end of the pandemic and to be out and about more. She is grateful for the aid that COVID-19 vaccinations, masking, and social distancing have provided over the past months. Langston also enjoys spending time volunteering her service at Sardis Presbyterian Church and participating in book clubs. Her activities and wealth of friendships have been especially meaningful since her husband passed in 2020 following a brief illness. She is looking forward to her next class reunion and the amazing years ahead! Lynne O'Dell Washington writes that Zoom has brought the Class of 1968 together again! This idea was started when Happy Goethert cleaned out some old files at home and found issues of The Twig! Goethert shared highlights with the class listserv, which evolved into Zooming occasionally. Washington has had fun catching up with her classmates!

1971

Following the delightful 50th Reunion visit with other members of the "Unsurpassed" Class of 1971, Mary Stuart Parker Alderman returned to Hilton Head Island, S.C. Alderman assumed the leadership roles of chair of the Women

in Philanthropy Grants Committee and incoming chair of the Board of Directors of the Deep Well Project, Hilton Head Island's crisis assistance ministry for islanders in need. She and her husband enjoyed returning to N.C. recently to visit their five grandchildren. Alderman enjoys tennis and bike rides as frequently as possible. It has been quite a year for Bonnie Bell. Being a politics junkie, leaving the D.C. area after 50 years was no small feat. Then, to try to build a home in the booming town of Wilmington, N.C., during COVID-19, while also living long-distance proved to be challenging! Thankfully, Bell's good friend and classmate, Doris McIlwain, has been a guiding star – and decorator! Bell is also near her lifelong friends and classmates, Anne Luter Bromby, Jane Holloway Woodard, and Sara Kennemur Mountford. Bell and her fiance have moved in now and await the fun of visiting friends. Anne Luter Bromby has had sweet times since June 2021. That was when her son married his lovely bride on her family's horse farm outside Pittsburgh, Pa. Bromby's Meredith BFFs were there, so it was an especially sweet weekend. The completion of the reunion class book in July marked 10 months of work and fun with Sue Hubbard Ramsay and Janet Traynham Killen. Bromby said the class’s October 50th reunion with over 50 attendees was just perfect – so much laughter and joy! Life is good. Between the birth of her first grandson in May of 2021 and a major construction project at her family's house on the coast, Anne Bryan is keeping busy these days. With her husband's recent retirement and the pandemic restrictions lifting, Bryan has travel plans in the works. She was delighted to be able to celebrate her class's 50th reunion in the fall and loved catching up with friends. Boyd King Dimmock had a great time reconnecting with classmates at their 50th class reunion! She is certain the class of 1971 remains "unsurpassed". She is enjoying her NC State Wolfpack sporting events and their winning football season, having attended all of the games in person this year after a year of absence due to COVID-19. Dimmock also made multiple visits to the N.C. State Fair, relishing the time there with her grandchildren and also winning three ribbons in the N.C. Flower Show. Dimmock's planned trip to Europe with her oldest granddaughter

was canceled this summer, but she remains hopeful that the trip will still be possible next year. She is glad to be in good health following the completion of chemotherapy treatment early in 2020. Dimmock continues her work with Griefshare, leading sessions encouraging grieving people, which she began shortly after the death of her dear husband in 2015. Lavinia Vann Evans had a wonderful time attending her 50th class reunion in the fall. Catching up with friends from Meredith in person was a highlight of her year. Evans reports that her first and hopefully only kidney stone was a bummer. Being near family is fantastic! Her oldest grandson's fall baseball team won their season and were tournament champs, too! Evans and her husband are expert cheerleaders! Her husband has retired as a pastor but remains busy doing sabbaticals and filling in for other pastors. Gina Adams Harry and her husband's response to the COVID-19 quarantine was to purchase an RV and hit the road! Their first trip in 2020 was across the U.S. to visit their daughters in Colorado and California. They saw friends and family in Texas on the return trip. In the fall of 2021, the couple took another long trip to Asheville and then to Jekyll Island. Harry enjoyed the Golden Oaks luncheon, held on campus during Reunion Weekend, and brought classmate, Lynn Clark Ritch, with her to the event. Jane Davis Knox

continues to enjoy retirement, especially time spent with her five grandchildren. In August 2021, Knox and her husband spent a week at Litchfield Beach, S.C. with their family. The weather was perfect and being together after a long stretch of separation made the trip even more special. With a documented negative COVID-19 test in hand, Knox was able to travel to Aruba in October of 2021. The Knoxes were able to visit their daughter in Washington, D.C., during the Thanksgiving holidays. Last year, Thanksgiving was celebrated in their hometown of Charlotte with only the cat in attendance. Reconnecting with college friends at the 50th Reunion was wonderful, and she extends a huge ‘thank you’ to all involved in the planning, preparations, and implementation of the reunion during COVID-19 and a weekend of inclement weather. Also, a special thanks for the class’s unsurpassable memory book! Doris McIlwain is thankful that her 50th class reunion research led her to reconnect with a college classmate, Kyn Dellinger. Dellinger lives in California and was unable to attend the reunion, but they have enjoyed a renewed contact. McIlwain sent her photos and communications throughout the reunion weekend. While this is not the same as being on campus, Dellinger was still able to share in some of the experiences. Sara Kennemur Mountford greatly enjoyed the Golden Oaks Society

Luncheon held during Alumnae Reunion Weekend. The Meredith family was outstanding in welcoming everyone back! Mountford and her husband are busy getting ready to move as they downsize from their Fuquay-Varina home of 37 years to their oceanfront cottage at Holden Beach, N.C. They continue to look for the right place to be in the future, so wish them luck! Along with her family, Sue Hubbard Ramsay recently took a trip to the Sun Valley area of Idaho. This was her first trip in two years! Ramsay thinks the community library located in the town of Ketchum is just stunning! She had a wonderful visit to the impressive library and noted the stark differences from her time working in library services at the Campbell Library 50 years ago as a student. Ramsay spent time enjoying the beautiful scenery. She shared that this trip was delightfully restorative after having been isolated in Raleigh throughout the pandemic. Pam Lewis Riley thoroughly enjoyed the Reunion Weekend held during the fall. The Golden Oaks Society Luncheon and the Class of 1971 dinner were wonderful opportunities to reconnect with classmates and share life experiences over the past 50 years. She loved learning about the contributions and unique experiences of classmates, some of which were mentioned in President Allen’s address at the luncheon. Riley gives thanks to the planning team for

SAV E T HE DATE • M AY 20 -22 PARTY 3 CLASS LUNCHEON & EVENTS 3 WORSHIP STATE OF THE

COLLEGE

 PRESIDENT JO ALLEN, ’80

All alumnae are invited to attend Alumnae Reunion Weekend, and classes ending in a 2 or 7 will be celebrating a special class reunion. The weekend’s activities include a party featuring the Band of Oz, a State of the College address by President Allen, class luncheon, individual class events, and an Alumnae Worship Service.

Y 2 0 -2 2 , 2 0 2 2

Class letters, including information about individual class events, and registration for on-campus events can be found online by visiting meredith.edu/alumnae-reunion. Should you have questions or need additional information about the weekend, please contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at (919) 760-8548 or alumnae@meredith.edu.

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION ALUMNAE GOING STRONG

LATRICIA FREDERICK, ’04 MBA Understanding the Ever-Changing Role of People in Business By Karen T. Dunton

For LaTricia Frederick, ’04 MBA, a career inventory assessment helped her identify human resources as a way to combine interests in business, people, and technology. And the Meredith MBA program provided her with the opportunity to further develop her skills in the HR field. “What I like best about human resources is helping people start their careers in new areas and use their strengths to help the business reach its goals,” said Frederick. “I love discovering new things and ideas related to helping people achieve more.” In her current role as director of people & communities for Cisco Systems, Inc. Global Corporation Sales, Frederick consults, advises, and counsels on the organization’s overall people strategy including strategic talent programs and initiatives, talent management practices, and inclusion and diversity. “My typical week may include attending forecasting calls, working with leaders to interpret human resource policies, advising on diversity, inclusion, and culture initiatives, or exploring workforce planning options in light of the socio-economic environment.” Throughout her career, Frederick has identified her own professional strengths ranging from connecting with people to distilling information into bite-sized pieces to influencing others to work toward a common goal. “I am also a bit of a chameleon. I have an uncanny ability to learn different disciplines and apply them in a unique way to my preferred focus area – people.” While Frederick was attending Meredith, she was part of the inaugural student association for the MBA program. This involvement coupled with her courses allowed her to build on her strengths through various opportunities. “From budgeting, to planning, to coordinating, to problem solving, to visioning … you name it and I had the opportunity to experience it as a part of my Meredith MBA,” said Frederick. “I am grateful for the opportunity to complete my program and for all the lessons learned that I continue to apply today.” Frederick offers the following advice to anyone pursuing a career in human resources. “Try to understand the goals of the business and then work backward to understand how people bring those goals to life. Be intentional about building your skills and experience in many areas and continue to invest in adjacent skills that can be applied to this area.”

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their efforts to make this experience a huge success and is looking forward to the next reunion! Bonnie Scott Truelove has been traveling the U.S., viewing beautiful rivers and enjoying the national forests and parks. Truelove looks forward to international travel in March 2022. A highlight of Jane Holloway Woodard's year was spending time with Meredith classmates and childhood friends Anne Luter Bromby, Bonnie Bell, Doris McIlwain, and Sara Kennemur Mountford. This group was together for the beautiful June wedding of Bromby's son in Pennsylvania as well as for the Meredith Reunion Weekend and induction into the Golden Oaks Society. In October of 2021, Woodard and her husband proudly attended their daughter's graduation from New York University, where she received her doctorate in education.

1974

Jody Johnson Brashear enjoyed being together at Topsail Beach with several former classmates of 1970-74. The group also gathered for Christmas in Williamsburg, Va., and included Brashear's daughter. Alice Winecoff Clayton wishes her classmates in the class of 1974 a healthy, Happy 70th Birthday in 2022! She is grateful for the shared memories with classmates and looks forward to their 50th class reunion in 2024. Karen Youngblood Padgett never expected to be so busy in retirement or during the pandemic! As a founding member of the Garner Area Historical Society, Padgett had been a part of converting their circa 1900 railroad depot into a history museum. The Garner History Museum at the Depot opened in November of 2021. Padgett shared that this has been quite an effort but certainly worth preserving the history of this area!

1975

Marion Feezor Venable shares the news of her newest grandson, Samuel Franklin.

1976

Jackie Owen Stallings and her husband are enjoying their recent move from Richmond, Va., to Columbia, S.C., where they are near their son, daughter-in-law, and two-year-old granddaughter. The Stallings's travels have been very limited during the pandemic, but they have had several lovely visits with their newlymarried daughter and her husband in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

1980

Janet Liles Gowan recently retired as a pilot with American Airlines. She and her husband sold their house in Raleigh and moved to their beach house at Sunset Beach. They are currently building a new house at a nearby golf course. She and her husband are in good health and loving beach life!

1984

After teaching for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) in Fort Bragg, N.C., Abby Nobles Averitte retired in June of 2021. During her years of experience, Averitte taught several grade levels, finishing her career as a K-5 Reading Specialist. Lori Robinson Medlin's daughter, Mira Medlin, graduated from Meredith last spring as a member of the Class of 2021. Janet Noblin Noel recently celebrated her 35th wedding anniversary. Noel spends time volunteering at the Pregnancy Help Center of Chesterfield, Va., where she has been serving as a client advocate for over five years. In this role, she helps women faced with unplanned pregnancies. Noel also enjoys time with their four grandchildren and three Scottish terriers. Ann Thomasson Parker has started a part-time job at Cleveland Community College in Shelby, N.C., with the Cleveland Community College Foundation as an alumni relations specialist. In this role, Parker is tasked with creating the college’s first Alumni Association. She started in August 2021

and is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of the position as well as the move from full-time to part-time hours. This allows her the time to volunteer as a board member of the Kings Mountain Historical Museum. Parker and her husband are looking forward to spending time in the N.C. mountains at their new townhouse in Boone. Her daughter is engaged and will be married in October 2022, so Parker is having a lot of fun wedding planning with her. Parker's son works with the Atlanta Braves organization. She enjoyed watching the team's journey to becoming World Series champs!

1985

Kathie Guild retired from the Chapel Hill Carrboro School System in 2017 and has since started a non-profit mobile puppet theater. After 31 years of service with two different electric cooperatives in South Carolina, Penelope Hinson retired in June 2020. She was responsible for all areas of communications, marketing, energy management, and government relations. She is now working as a travel planner, specializing in all things Disney World as well as Universal Studios. Renee Bond Keen now serves as the CEO of McGriff Small Business and Personal Lines Insurance. Kathy Hoffarth Pantele's son was selected as the new dean of students of Hampden-Sydney College.

1987

Having spent her career in public accounting and in finance with Builders FirstSource, Donna Wilson Thagard has

recently retired. She enjoyed a 30-year career in the building supply industry. Thagard is now enjoying volunteering with Meredith, her church, and her youngest son's school in Raleigh. She's looking forward to her class's 35th reunion in May.

1990

Deanna Harris continues to work as the academically and intellectually gifted (AIG) teacher at both an elementary and a middle school in Wake County. She loves the work she gets to do with students in both language arts and math. Harris and her husband recently celebrated 20 years of marriage and their daughter’s 15th birthday.

1991

After 30 years in education as a teacher, Julie Adcock Ferrell will be retiring in 2022. Following 30 years as an educator in the state of N.C., Alesha Still McCauley retired in June 2021. McCauley worked in several districts and roles, including Lee County Schools, Harnett County Schools, the N.C. Dept. of Public Instruction, and Wake County Schools. Since her retirement, McCauley began working part-time as an office assistant, which she is loving. Laura Peedin Moushey recently returned to the Raleigh area from Asheville, N.C. She would love to reconnect with old friends who are in the area. Now that her children have graduated from high school, Moushey moved to be closer to family. She lives in Clayton and works in Raleigh as the

ORDER A MEREDITH LICENSE PLATE Do you have a Meredith license plate? It is a great way for North Carolina drivers to show their Meredith pride wherever they drive and to promote the College to future angels! It is easy to order and a portion of the fees come back to Meredith. Order your tag today at ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-

services/online/Pages/my-ncdmv-custom-plates.aspx.

Follow the instructions and log into your DMV account to find the Meredith license plate. Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION human resources manager for two wonderful companies, Murphy's Naturals and The Loading Dock. Nan Smith Toppin's daughter has committed to play volleyball for the U.S. Naval Academy.

1993

Julie Haynes Hancock recently defended her dissertation at UNC Greensboro and graduated in December 2021 with a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership.

1994

Cynthia Byrd Villani began a new job at IQVIA in Durham, N.C. She is working as an ambassador resource specialist.

1995

After enjoying living in Europe for two years, Tina Sylvester Blocker has moved back to the United States. She currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colo. Emily Griffith Potts completed her Master of Education in school counseling in May of 2021 after surviving a hemorrhagic stroke in March 2021. She is working as the senior class counselor at Dan River High School in Ringgold, Va.

1996

In July 2021, Mandy Steele Johnson, O.D., joined Preeya Gupta, MD, to form Triangle Eye Consultants, a specialty eye care practice focused on dry eye disease, cataract treatment, corneal disease treatment as well as comprehensive and urgent eye care. Shelly Barrick Parsons began a new position as the executive director for Capital Trees in Richmond, Va.

1998

Fran Bolin was recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of the families of youth and adults who have experienced the juvenile and criminal justice systems. She received this recognition during an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Virginia Juvenile Justice Association's 45th Fall Institute in November 2021. Jennifer Richardson Clemmer began a teaching assistant position at Carr Elementary School with Gaston County Schools. This comes after seven years of maintaining her household while serving in various community and church volunteer positions. Clemmer continues to teach Sunday school classes at her church. Recently, she has been pursuing kayaking, paddle boarding, and yoga

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while also being an active member of her book club.

1999

After over 20 years living in N.C., Georgia, and mostly in Texas, Sara Dixon Dawalt's husband is retiring from the Army and their family is moving to her hometown of St. Joseph, Mich. Dawalt's children are now in sixth grade and first grade.

2001

Hilary Allen, Katherine Withers Armstrong, Kate Breen, Mary Kemple Sutphin Henderson, Erica Kelly Hege, Jenna Leggett Leissner, and Elizabeth Kelly Reilly enjoyed their 15th annual Meredith Girls Weekend in Rosemary Beach, Fla. The group and several other classmates began this annual tradition following their first Meredith Reunion Weekend. A few faces were missing from this year's annual trip, but as always, the weekend was filled with so much laughter and fun! Katherine Withers Armstrong is excited to officially announce the adoption of her son, Hudson Ray. He began living with her family as an infant, and the adoption was finalized in May 2021. Armstrong was thrilled to add to her family and is excited for all of her Meredith Angels to meet him!

2002

Natasha Farrington Evans recently accepted a new position at Wilkes Community College as the community resource development specialist. Amber Patrick was promoted as the engineering manager of environmental and facilities at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Inc.

2004

Lacy Cuthbertson-Todd graduated with her Master of Business Administration from Lenoir Rhyne University. In the fall of 2021, Jamie Morris Firebaugh began year nine of homeschooling all three of her children, grades kindergarten through eighth grade. She stays active in her community, serving as a high school girls small group leader at her church. Firebaugh also serves as the director of special events and fundraising at her son's baseball league, GBI, in Garner, N.C. Tracey Marina Hamelton recently became a loan signing agent and mobile notary and started a new business, Got a Pen – notary services.

2005

Blair Wannamaker Archila began teaching at Primrose School in Raleigh. Samaiyah Faison began working as the assistant director at the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture in the Student Affairs Department at Duke University. Marlowe Westerfield is the CEO of Monarch Insurance and Mortgage Services, LLC. Rebekah Miel was recently featured in a Nasdaq article in which female entrepreneurs shared the one change that doubled their bottom line. In the article, Miel advised others to trust their instincts. She is the founder and creative director of Miel Design Studio, a full-service marketing and graphic design studio in Durham, N.C., serving b corps, nonprofits, and other purposedriven organizations. Courtney Morris Newberry is working as a middle school math teacher at Wayne Christian School in Goldsboro, N.C.

2006

Rachel French started a new job as a paralegal in the Regulatory Affairs Division of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

2008

Melissa Bland Turner founded Tarheel PGx Consulting, LLC in June 2021. After working in independent and retail pharmacy for 10 years, Turner began this company to help patients and their providers make more informed decisions about medications based on their genetic profile. Her company provides data to ensure patients are prescribed the correct medication based on their DNA. Doing so allows the patient to discontinue the use of any medications that did not work or caused side effects.

2011

Laura Beth Hoyle began working as an assistant principal at Western Alamance High School. Grace Alexander Marett opened a women's clothing store The Kin.

2016

Tociana Watley earned a Master of Social Work from North Carolina Central University in 2020. Watley has since become a licensed clinical social worker and started her own brand, Hanging out with Love, which encourages women with life skills and helps clients plan and reach their goals.

2017

Taylor Moore was selected as the inaugural recipient of the N.C. Beginning Teacher Award from N.C. Delta Kappa Gamma.

2019

ALUMNAE GOING STRONG

PATTIE HARRIS ZELLER, ’80 Communities Built Through Connection By Karen T. Dunton

Hannah Kicklighter began working as the assistant director of alumnae relations at Meredith in September 2021.

2021

Marissa Thomas received the N.C. Outstanding Student Teaching Award in Science from the North Carolina Science Teachers Association at a ceremony in November 2021.

MARRIAGES 1994 Renee Bellows McGee to David Lee Fisher, 5/1/21.

2002 Micaela Loudermelk to Adam Roig, 11/7/21.

2011 Ayanna Scott to Jonathan Ferguson, 7/30/21.

2015 Holly Monday to Robert Naude, 10/16/20.

2018 Molly Wilson to Carl Churchill, 10/23/21 Mary Frances Raper to Nathan Miller, 7/24/21.

2019 Olivia Higgs to Jonathan Stallings, 10/23/21.

2021 Ashlynn Davis to Dylan Cook, 8/28/21.

NEW ARRIVALS 2001 Lesley Parr Abbott, a daughter, Chandler Parr, 7/19/21. Amanda Puckett BenDor, a son, August Fred, 8/26/21.

2004 Jacqueline Cash Cook, a daughter, Hannah Claire, 10/15/2021 Amy Burgess Olive, a daughter, Ann Carter, 1/8/21.

Pattie Harris Zeller, ’80, owned a successful advertising agency with clients in North Carolina, Virginia, and Illinois. But when one of her dogs was diagnosed with cancer, she discovered the holistic benefits of quality pet food and wanted to share this knowledge with others. So, she opened Animal Connection All Natural Store for Dogs and Cats in Charlottesville, Va., which recently received the 2021-22 National Retailer of the Year Award from Pet Product News International. “I'm ‘Pack Leader’ of Animal Connection,” said Zeller. “My main focus is marketing the store, researching and purchasing products, and training my staff in our methods of excellent customer service. I also contribute to editorial in the pet trade area and I speak at national pet shows on how we enhance our customer experience.” Offering a line of pet products, full-service grooming, self-service dog washing, dog training, and an in-house “barkery” with treats, cakes, and ice cream, Animal Connection competes with bigger stores by providing a multitude of services customers need in their pet's lives. “Since I loved pitching an advertising concept, selling products in a retail store came easily. My grandfather had a country store in Arcola, N.C., and I feel like it's in my heritage," said Zeller. “Everything from selecting the foods, toys, shopping at trade shows, right down to seeing customers and their pets become part of our store's family. It's a great thing to have a business where we can make a difference in the lives of so many every single day.” To reach even more people, Zeller started a weekly live show on social media four years ago. What’s Barking Local includes information about pet events as well as interviews with people who are making a difference in Animal Connection’s community. The show reaches over 250,000 viewers each week. “Passion for my pets and wanting to share what I learned with others led me to this career decision,” said Zeller. “I’m not sure many people come out of school saying ‘I’m going to be a retailer.’ (I didn’t!) But when your work and personal experience lead you to something you love, be brave and go for it!”

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION 2005

1943

1959

Hannah Pollet Edens, a son, Teague Michael, 9/19/21.

Margaret Mills Travis, 8/4/21.

Jewel Dean Brigman Icard, 9/14/21.

1946

Nell Robertson Martin, 10/5/21.

Myra Miller Teague, 07/20/21.

1960

1947

Jane Wagoner Hoover, 7/31/21.

Grace Alexander Marett, a daughter, Eleanor Bingham, 6/25/21.

Marie Mason, 8/30/21.

1962 Barbara Adams Purcell, 10/8/21.

2012

1948 Louvene Jordan Cooper, 8/29/21.

Sylvia Nash Redwine, 8/30/21.

Nell Proctor McCaskill, 9/28/21.

1963

1949

Margaret Rand Hilpert, 10/7/21.

Dorothy White Rascoe, 8/6/21.

1965

1951

Pat Griffin Denson, 9/6/21.

Marjorie Joyner Northup, 10/15/21.

1966

1953

Betty Hastings Carter, 9/29/21.

Kelsie Peters York, a son, Jackson Taylor, 6/25/21.

Shirley Cliatt Frost, 8/5/21.

1968

Johnnie May Fisher Long, 9/7/21.

Honour Carroll McKenzie, 8/31/20.

2015

Betsy Brooks McGee McLean, 9/9/21.

Katie Shytle Gardner, a son, Cooper Matthew, 9/13/21.

1969

1955

Brenda Helms Winn, 9/30/21.

Jane Spence Doby, 7/31/21.

1972

1956

Laurene Peterson Holliday, 9/20/21.

DEATHS 1937

Lenora Nye Zimmerman, 10/5/21.

Joy Munden, 8/29/21.

1957

1973

Mildred Crowder Little, 10/15/21.

Barbara Cozart Pollard, 10/12/21.

Deana Duncan Willard, 8/28/21.

2011 Sarah Anne Wheeler Linhart, a son, Wells Benjamin, 8/16/21.

Ashlea Armstrong Ray, twin daughters, Emma Kate and Harper Elise, 9/7/21.

2013 Caitlin Mayo Scott, a daughter, Paityn Elisabeth, 7/11/17, and a daughter, Stella Rae, 1/28/21. Staci Fulp Smith, a daughter, Grace Lee, 2/15/21.

Holly Monday Naude, a son, Henry Richard, 1/12/21.

Join us for the

24TH ANNUAL MEREDITH ATHLETICS GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday, April 25, 2022, at 9 a.m. Shotgun Start Wildwood Green Golf Club 3000 Ballybunion Way, Raleigh, N.C.

The Meredith Athletics Golf Tournament celebrates the 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 Golfers: 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 opens on Friday, April 1 at 8 a.m. and closes on Monday, April 25 at 11:59 p.m. Sponsored by: Raleigh Brewing Company and Aramark

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1975

ALUMNAE GOING STRONG

Lucinda Anne Robinson, 7/31/21.

1981 Tessie Kittrell Stinson, 7/6/21.

1983 Grace Kim Soeter, 6/6/21.

1985 Marion Smith Johnson, 10/28/21.

1987 Cleta Anderson Johnson, 9/14/21. Marie Burris Wood, 8/23/21.

1994 Elizabeth Weidler Gustafson, 9/21/21 Chonda Smith, 9/3/21.

1997 Catherine Tomany, 7/11/21.

1999 Jennifer Williams Gibson, 9/14/21.

2005 Jessica Laurel Davis, 8/6/21. Lauren Lomax, 1/31/21.

SYMPATHY 1948 Ann Beal Sanders in the death of her husband.

1959 Joyce Foster Pate in the death of her husband and daughter.

1960 Ann Rackley Kilian in the death of her husband. Kathryn Rowland Talley in the death of her husband.

1963 Martha Spence Blount in the death of her sister. Betsy Wood Clark in the death of her husband. Velma McGee Ferrell in the death of her sister. Helen Boone Stevenson in the death of her son.

1971 Susan Crouch Craig in the death of her mother.

TAMMY SMITH, ’06

Finding Purpose in a Passion for Science By Karen T. Dunton

When she was a child, Tammy Smith, ’06, longed to explore constellations and learn how the brain works. She brought this passion for science with her when she came to Meredith College, leaving with a degree in biology and a future in public health. “After graduating from Meredith, I became a research technician at the Duke Medical Center laboratory,” said Smith. “Today I am a technical supervisor at a clinical laboratory while pursuing my Ph.D. in public health. I am an avid learner in this field, which is why I am pursuing further education.” Solving problems through technology is the best thing about working in public health, according to Smith. She enjoys getting to learn about new instruments and other advancements in healthcare. “With RTP growing with new pharmaceutical and lab consultant companies, the demand for testing is very high and can be overwhelming with the new technology and testing that comes out frequently.” The COVID-19 pandemic had Smith and others in her field learning new methods very quickly. “Testing thousands of patients can be demanding and tiresome,” said Smith. But she is dedicated to helping people through her work. In addition to her work in the lab, Smith is also serving her community through Inspired Now Networks, a non-profit organization she started to support marginalized communities receiving access to resources about their healthcare. “I have always wanted to help others and during my career working in hospitals and doctor's offices, my passion for helping others has grown. I created this non-profit to help those who cannot help themselves and create health equity among the communities at risk.” Her efforts in the community as well as her professional pursuits have helped Smith develop her strengths as an effective communicator and a team leader. “I have worked on many teams as a leader and a team player, and both are essential for progress. This is an ever-changing field and there are many opportunities for growth.” Reflecting back on her time at Meredith, Smith believes a study abroad program to Belize helped to define her love of science and desire to help others. “I have a deeper love for science now and Meredith helped shape that love.”

Spring 2022 | MEREDITH MAGAZINE

ALUMNAE CONNECTION Johnnie Faye Lamm Jackson in the death of her husband.

Rebecca Dunn McClendon in the death of her mother.

1973

Bonnie Hines Wagstaff in the death of her mother.

Betsy Teague Glover in the death of her mother.

1974 Meg Pruette Averett in the death of her husband.

1976 Carrie Rogers Currin in the death of her father. Patricia Crowell Everett in the death of her mother. Louise Crouch Lee in the death of her mother.

1983 Joanne Carswell in the death of her sister. Alicia Neese Irvin in the death of her mother.

1984 Freddie Johnson Davis in the death of her father. Lydia Harris McGee in the death of her father.

1989 Michelle Davis Stivers in the death of her father.

1990 Deanna Harris in the death of her aunt and uncle.

1991 Meg Deal in the death of her aunt. Carol Eidson Sherwood in the death of her father.

1992 Kendra Neese Bowers in the death of her mother.

1993

1978

Lori Robinson Medlin in the death of her husband.

Patricia Crouch Williams in the death of her mother.

1985

2005

1979

Julia Beckett Marsh in the death of her mother.

Jessica Horton Thompson in the death of her father.

1987

2006

Karen Smith Lee in the death of her father.

1980 Myra Herring Brown in the death of her father. Andrea Neese in the death of her mother.

1981 Lynn Davis Edwards in the death of her father.

Kate Anderson Cole in the death of her grandmother.

Carol Webb-Gargagliano in the death of her father.

Rachel French in the death of her grandfather.

Laurel Mason Mackenzie in the death of her aunt.

2009

Kimberly Giddeons Quinn in the death of her husband. Paige Leist Tolar in the death of her father.

MERED TH MENTORS

Natalie Braswell Broyhill in the death of her great uncle-in-law.

2012 Ashley Irvin in the death of her grandmother.

With over 24,000 alumnae/i around the globe, the Meredith College network is STRONG! Meredith Mentors captures the strength of our network in an online platform. Meredith Mentors provides current students with access to alumnae and alumni willing to offer career advice, internships, and more, connects recent graduates with fellow alumnae once they settle in a new city, and fosters relationships between fellow alumnae as they return to school or launch a new career or business. Meredith Mentors supports the personal and professional development of current students, alumnae, and alumni. To date, there are over 2,000 users on the platform representing 38 states, the District of Columbia, 9 countries, and 43 different industries or career fields. To register and begin exploring the community for your own development or to support the development of others within the Meredith community, please visit mentors.meredith.edu.

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