KEN BLAIR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
MELODY BLAKE PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT, ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
RYAN BLISS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RECRUITMENT
KATINA CABINESS CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
JULIE DANIEL DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
DREW DAVIDSON VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
CARRIE INGOLDSBY VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS
TIMOTHY KLOCKO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SARAH MCCARTHY VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
JESSICA TUCKER DIRECTOR OF THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE AND TRUSTEE RELATIONS
WESLEYAN MAGAZINE PROJECT TEAM
CATHY COXEY SNOW '71 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE AFFAIRS
MILLIE P. HUDSON '75 DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
DREW BRANDON WEB CONTENT MANAGER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER
HARRISON TARR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
DR. NEIL BROOKS WRITER
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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS FOR PROVIDING PHOTOS.
WESLEYAN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY THE WESLEYAN COLLEGE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Wesleyan Alumnae,
A few months ago, I shared with you our five-year strategic plan where we boldly proclaimed, “Wesleyan: First. Now. Forever.” We chose these words based on a desire to lean heavily into the traditions that make our College great, while adapting them and honoring them as we navigate the future.
That's the theme of this year's Wesleyan Magazine.
By now, you've probably noticed a new look on the first few pages of this magazine. On the one hand, you'll see a new style that
we think reflects a new era for our beloved school. On the other, we've chosen to bring back the former title of this publication to reflect its history and the alumnae who have filled its pages over the years.
In this issue of our Wesleyan Magazine, you will find a collection of stories that illustrate this commitment to preserving our past and marrying it with our future. From feature stories on the success of our current students to a Q&A with our new Alumnae Board of Managers President, what you'll find throughout is a commitment to the enduring values that are
shared by everyone who steps foot on this campus.
As you read through these pages, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey with Wesleyan and the shared experiences that bind us together. As we celebrate our alumnae successes, let's also embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Meaghan Blight President, Wesleyan College
Dating back to her inception in 1836, Wesleyan College has been a place worth celebrating. With the ideology of accelerating equality for women at the forefront, the College has continued to be a leader in Middle Georgia and beyond.
No singular academic year has proven this to be true more than that of 2023-24.
After being voted as Middle Georgia's best college/university by members of the Macon community just one year ago, Wesleyan returned to defend her title in 2023, earning back-to-back honors and solidifying herself as a shining example of higher education and leadership within the community.
“Wesleyan's receiving of this award for the second year in a row goes to show what an exciting time it is to be a part of this community,” Wesleyan Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives Ken Blair said. “Our students, alumnae, faculty and staff take a great amount of pride in
A YEAR WORTH CELEBRATING 4
what they do and strive to not only better the community we've built on campus, but to bring positive change around the globe.”
While there is certainly a collective excitement surrounding Wesleyan's recognition for her excellence within the community, the year-long celebration of accolades does not end there.
Wesleyan College President Meaghan Blight notched yet another achievement to the list of her already decorated tenure as leader of the college when she earned the rights to be named to Macon Magazine's 2024 installment of its “5 Under 40” list.
In the magazine's spotlight, President Blight spoke on her passion for providing young women with the opportunity to develop ideas that help build a better future, her passion for being active within the Macon community and her goals to uplift those around her through advancing Wesleyan.
“I want to put Wesleyan College back on the map,” Blight shared in her interview with Macon Magazine. “This is a school with so much history. The first American woman to receive a college diploma graduated from our school, right here in Macon, Georgia. That's incredible.”
President Blight's naming to the prestigious accolade comes as a result of her commitment to the advancement of Wesleyan College through numerous fundraising campaigns, as well as that of getting involved within the Macon community. Blight continues to serve on boards of the likes of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, the Macon Chamber of Commerce and the William I.H. and Lula E. Pitts Foundation.
There is still much work to be done as Wesleyan continues to move forward in her mission of accelerating equality for women; however, the outlook for the future of the institution has never been brighter.
BACCALAUREATE RET
The 2024 commencement weekend at Wesleyan College meant more than just the graduation of the latest crop of seniors from the institution; not only did Wesleyan have the privilege of sending her graduates off into the real world, the college celebrated it's long-awaited return to downtown Macon for the annual baccalaureate service.
In a return to a previously longstanding tradition at Wesleyan, graduates began their ceremony at the intersection of College Street and Georgia Avenue, the original site of the College in 1836, to hear words of inspiration from the likes of college President Meaghan Blight and Alumnae Association PresidentElect Anna Cornelious Martin '04.
“Returning the baccalaureate and marker ceremonies to College Street means so much to me,” Martin said. “It signifies the College's appreciation for its beginning while celebrating its future.”
Upon the closing sentiments of the marker ceremony, graduates, faculty and staff assembled into a two-bytwo processional, marching from the original site of the campus to Mulberry Street Methodist Church; a breathtaking visual, the group was met with countless cheers, congratulations and celebratory carhorn honks as they marched through the northern hills of downtown Macon, chanting celebratory cheers of the Green Class of 2024.
As the main service commenced within the walls of Mulberry Street Methodist Church, speakers throughout the program noted their excitement in seeing Wesleyan's revival of the tradition, adding the fitting-nature of the Church's inherent beauty.
“It was a wonderful evening to celebrate our graduates and our return to this beautiful sanctuary,” Wesleyan College's Chaplain Rachel Paul Hartman said. “I am grateful to Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and their hospitality that fostered the reconnection of this historic relationship with Wesleyan's baccalaureate service—a tradition to look forward to for years to come.”
URNS TO DOWNTOWN 6
Wesleyan's decision to revive the unique tradition is symbolic not only of her commitment to bolstering her rich history, but of the College's dedication to resurge as a leader in the downtown Macon ecosystem.
“It's truly an exciting time to be at Wesleyan,” Hartman said. “The College's continued commitment to being active members of the Macon community is especially evident in both our return to this wonderful tradition and in our new downtown Leadership Lab on Cherry Street. Big things are happening, both at Wesleyan and in Macon!”
While all members of the Wesleyan community were eager to celebrate
the monumental nature of the occasion, this year's baccalaureate ceremony meant even more to education department head Virginia Bowman Wilcox '90. For Wilcox, the opportunity to be the inaugural faculty speaker for the ceremony's return to downtown Macon was the highest honor; however, having the chance to speak to her eldest daughter's graduating class was a joy.
“I was a Methodist bicentennial scholar when I came to Wesleyan,” Wilcox said. “It was announced that I was the recipient of that scholarship at Wesleyan's baccalaureate service when I was a senior in high school…so to have it back, having my daughter graduating and me having the
opportunity to be one of the keynote speakers, it was such a fun full-circle moment.”
Aside from its tangible impact within the community and within the hearts of those privileged enough to be a part of the program, Wesleyan's return to her downtown baccalaureate ceremony serves as a testament to one initiative above all: a commitment to accelerating equality for women in Middle Georgia and beyond.
Since being granted its charter in 1836, Wesleyan College has served as a medium for transforming the lives of countless students who walked its hallowed grounds. From sharing laughs with peers at Olive Swann Porter Student Center, to the countless hours spent studying for exams at Willet Library, Wesleyan students create new memories on a daily basis that will last a lifetime.
This is particularly true for sophomore Aliza Ratnani.
According to her, the Wesleyan experience begins as soon as one wakes up and heads to the Anderson Dining Hall to visit over a meal.
“It's a small, but extremely inclusive community,” Ratnani said. “When you go for breakfast or lunch, you find everyone talking to each other. There's no 'grouping' or anything like that, it's so inclusive.”
For Ratnani, the connections made at places such as the dining hall make treks across campus all the more enjoyable.
“When we interact with people, we actually know who one another are,” Ratnani said. “Whether its faculty, staff or students, you'll see everyone – one time or another — on campus in a week. It's so nice.”
A pre-nursing major, Ratnani came to Wesleyan by the way of Adilabad, India; an experience that she believes has only bolstered her day-to-day college experience.
“Coming from an international background, I did not know a lot about American culture,” Ratnani said. “My family trusted the college and sent me here all the way from India, which is literally seven seas apart, and this community has provided us with so much reassurance that I will be successful.”
While it is often said that college students do not exploit all resources available to them on campus,
Ratnani has forged personal relationships with not only professors, but with her academic advisor who has supported her professional development since she stepped foot on campus.
“Wesleyan has done a really good thing with student advisors,” Ratnani said. “I literally go to my advisor four times per semester, to the point where I know she has to think 'here you are again.' But it's an extremely nice connection that I believe prepared me to connect with people outside of the college and during alumnae events.”
The skills she has acquired from peers on campus — and her active participation in Wesleyan's CEO Institute — has prepared her for routine appearances at alumnae networking events, occasions which she claims to play a key role in her leadership growth.
“I have attended so many dinners and get-togethers with the Wesleyan alumnae network and through the CEO Institute,” Ratnani said. “I think all of those interactions have helped me to understand not only my career goals, but who I can reach out to.”
The decision to take a leap of faith, to trust her abilities to thrive in a new environment and her commitment to utilizing the resources around her has led her — like so many of her peers — to an exceptional start at an exceptional institution.
As an active member of the CEO Institute, the Student Ambassador program and countless other organizations, Ratnani certainly has a full plate across her sophomore year; however, the impact Wesleyan has left on her in such a short time is clear.
Experiential learning is highly emphasized in today's educational landscape, with stakeholders all recognizing the value that “learning by doing” brings to a college education. Newly proposed, Wesleyan Experiential Learning and Discovery (WELD) provides a framework that builds on best practices in experiential learning to create and support opportunities suited to our close knit and connected Wesleyan community. Provost Melody Blake notes, “Wesleyan's unique collaborative, diverse community makes us a perfect testing ground for innovative forward-thinking experiences.“
The WELD framework was developed as part of the new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a periodic exercise which engages students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees in determining what we are doing well and where improvements can be made. Wesleyan has a long history of embracing innovative teaching methods to enhance student learning and student experience. The WELD program also aligns with key aspects of our new Strategic Plan which is designed to ensure Wesleyan's strength and sustainability for future generations.
A central priority in creating WELD opportunities is to ensure all initiatives follow an equity-minded
practice. Many studies have shown the enormous value of experiential learning to students from traditionally underserved backgrounds but also much lower participation rates for those students. There can be many barriers to participation, including financial and logistical concerns.
Dr. Brooke Bennett-Day, the QEP Director states, “Wesleyan's QEP is designed with an equity lens, to intentionally engage all of our students in conversations about the value of experiential learning for their personal and professional goals, while also providing an institutional framework that helps students to plan, fund, and successfully complete experiential learning opportunities.”
Wesleyan will ensure our students have truly immersive experiences that will lead to life-altering experiences, demand deep formal reflection and provide better preparation for students' postWesleyan careers. Students will learn new problem-solving techniques, will have opportunities for the growth of curiosity and creativity, have opportunities for risk-taking and by choosing and helping to develop their own experiences will take agency over their education. The WELD experiences will take many forms including study away/ study abroad, engaging in original research with faculty mentors, long term community-engaged projects
and paid internships. To ensure the experiences are closely aligned with academic programs, curricular changes will be instituted including a re-working of required Professional Development courses and the introduction of a variable credit Experiential Learning course.
All these initiatives and alterations are only possible because of the dedication of the faculty and staff who will work collaboratively to ensure the value of each activity and that the students gain the most from our commitment. With our new timetable keeping Friday free of classes, we will have regular Discovery Days where students, faculty and staff will come together to explore current and relevant problems and collectively work together on solutions.
Creating a community of leaders is only possible if those future leaders have been given a sense of belonging and have built connections in the spheres they wish to influence. Provost Blake shares the excitement on campus, “we are committed to providing our students with the 21st century skills they need, so they will join the long-standing tradition of being alumnae who make a difference in the world."
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AT WESLEYAN 8
BANKS HALL
Wesleyan College bolstered its commitment to restoring its historic campus on July 25 of 2024, when President Meaghan Blight and fellow esteemed guests officially cut the ribbon on newly renovated Banks Hall.
The biggest undertaking since Blight's arrival on campus, Banks Hall officially welcomed students back into its doors in August of 2024, serving as the campus' premier housing location and as an example of the tangible momentum being generated by members of the Wesleyan community.
“To have the opportunity to renovate and restore the place that so many Wesleyan alumnae once called home is truly special,” said Blight.
“Bringing it back in a fashion that elevates the student experience and marries the historic with the modern is an accomplishment we all take great pride in.”
To honor this momentous occasion, Wesleyan welcomed members of the community to join staff, faculty, students and alumnae for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, allowing for all parties to celebrate the progress made on campus and to toast the exciting times which lie ahead.
In her speech ahead of the ceremony, Blight expressed her immense passion for bringing the historic dormitory back into service.
“I couldn't believe that this incredible building wasn't being used,” Blight said. “I'd heard incredible stories about the life and the energy and the excitement that were in these hallways and I knew that I wanted to bring it back to life.”
Originally constructed in 1928, Banks Hall long served as a premier residence on campus, housing countless Wesleyan students. Under the leadership of Wesleyan College President Meaghan Blight, the dormitory will once again become the pinnacle of student living.
The renovation of Banks Hall was made possible through the generosity of donors who came together to meet an ambitious $3.3 million fundraising goal.
“We knew that it was going to take a village to get Banks Hall back,” Blight said. “Thankfully, the Wesleyan community rallied behind the mission, as they always do, and were willing to support our efforts to restore an extremely important part of our campus.”
While Wesleyan celebrates the monumental accomplishment which is bringing Banks Hall back online, the College and its constituents remain eager to build upon this momentum and to continue accelerating equality for women across the globe.
MAKING AN IMPACT IN MIDDLE GEORGIA
After decades of being removed from the downtown Macon sphere, Wesleyan College made its triumphant return to the robust ecosystem in 2023 by opening the doors — and welcoming the public — to a brand new space: The Wesleyan College Leadership Lab.
Located on Cherry Street — in the heart of the city — the Lab has been dedicated to molding female leaders within the Wesleyan community, providing students with a medium to develop new connections and forging new partnerships between the College and the community.
“The Leadership Lab is part of our initiative to expand the Wesleyan College brand and to make our presence known within the community and Middle Georgia,” Leadership Lab Program Manager Jalaina LaGree '22 said. “It's really a place that not only the Wesleyan community, but the greater Macon community, feels is also a place for them to come together.”
In the eyes of LaGree, the downtown space serves as more than just a physical space intended for gatherings of minds; it functions as a symbol of the Wesleyan spirit.
“It's about community, it's about connection, it's about skill building and the spirit of innovation,” LaGree said. “We want people to associate Wesleyan College with being an innovator and servant leader.”
The mission of the student organization which calls the Leadership Lab home is much of a shared vision.
“The CEO Institute is a core-based program that really hones in on the importance of mentorship and professional development as it relates to making sure that Wesleyan students are going out to the best job opportunities and leadership opportunities that exist for their careers,” LaGree said. “What we do is provide the opportunity for first-year students to receive a four-to-one mentorship model that builds year-overyear.”
According to LaGree, the program is not only designed to mold Wesleyan graduates into the leaders of tomorrow, but to provide them with a web of connections that will lead them to success.
“We built this program around the concept of building your own personal board of directors,” LaGree said. “Any organization or brand has a board of leaders that you need to go through to ensure everything is moving toward the goal that you want to accomplish.”
While all professional connections remain vital, no mentor relationship is more important than that of each student's alumna mentor.
“One of the pillars of the CEO Institute is the connection between a student and their alumna mentor,” LaGree said. “We want to be able to show our students that the education they receive at Wesleyan is going to set them up for success in the future; it's extremely important that our alumnae stay engaged, not just when they get the big-time job and the corner office, but immediately after graduation.”
Wesleyan's return to the downtown Macon sphere is a story of triumph; however, it is one which is just getting started. The Leadership Lab provides students, alumnae and community members with the space to get connected, develop professional skills and work together in Wesleyan's vision of accelerating equality for women.
DISCOVER. BUILD. EXPERIENCE. LAUNCH.
These four words provide a simple roadmap for Wesleyan's “From Here to Career” program which guides our students to ensuring that their Wesleyan experience best prepares them for future careers. Their first year is a year of discovery, where students learn about both opportunities and their own goals and how to position themselves for success; in year two students build on this knowledge by preparing cover letters, resumes, and acquiring job-ready skills; this leads to third year students gaining direct experience through their professional development requirement and other opportunities; finally, Wesleyan will launch students to their next stage by developing post-graduation plans and helping them demonstrate and articulate their newly developed strengths and qualifications. Our guaranteed internships give our students an advantage in any future education or career they might pursue.
The revised “From Here to Career” program is just one of many initiatives. Carrie Ingoldsby, our Vice President for Student Affairs, explains, “Wesleyan's Center for Career Development (CCD) provides personalized guidance and resources that empower our students to explore career paths aligned with their skills and interests. The CCD offers workshops, networking
opportunities, interview and resumebuilding support and numerous internship opportunities.” The remarkable team at the Center is led by Executive Director Erin Bowler who brings a wealth of experience to her role. Erin is thrilled to be at Wesleyan finding “the staff, faculty, and students so welcoming and genuine with shared values. It is heartwarming and exciting to be in such a place.” She appreciates that Wesleyan's student body creates a mutually supportive environment that “allows risk taking and helps students figure out how women can break through the glass ceiling.” Further, Wesleyan's size allows her to ensure individualized attention for each student in a manner impossible at larger institutions.
One new program the Center is particularly proud of is the “Summer Non-Profit Internship Program” through Wesleyan's CEO Institute. Students received a stipend that allowed them to stay on campus in the summer earning both academic credit and working in Macon-based community programs. The program not only created valuable community connections but will allow participating students to have more than one compensated internship experience when they graduate. The rapidly changing employment landscape and the inevitable alterations that innovations such
as Artificial Intelligence (AI) will introduce means that career preparation cannot be traditional vocational training. Erin notes that today, “your major doesn't determine your career. Students must reflect on their experiences, strengths, and skills to guide their co-curricular activities, internships, and career choices. I like to lead students in visual mapping exercises so they can fully process their career goals and how to achieve them.”
Wesleyan alumnae can both support and be supported by the Center for Career Development. Wesleyan remains committed to supporting our graduates through all aspects of their careers from helping to polish resumes to exploring retraining options. Not only is it essential for Wesleyan alumnae to help create and sustain internship possibilities, but they can also give back by volunteering to be on-campus speakers, attending events, and donating to our “Wolves at Work” professional clothing closet designed to dress women entering the job market.
Wesleyan women are creating change in every sector and are simultaneously nurturing the next generation of women to continue to build a more equitable society.
A WALK IN THE WOODS
Every visitor to Wesleyan is struck by the beauty of our campus, with its tree-lined central quad, expansive equestrian center, and groomed sports fields. But those in the Wesleyan community know that as impressive as those areas are, the 104 acres of woodland and 5-acre lake which form the Wesleyan Arboretum is a hidden gem, offering opportunities not available at other institutions.
When Wesleyan moved to its current site in 1928, part of the land acquired included this acreage, some of which was unspoiled forest and some of which had been used as a dairy farm. Going further back, artifacts that have been found on the site suggest human activity eight thousand years ago. Since Wesleyan's Rivoli campus was established, the woods have served an important role for students for study and peaceful reflection, as well as a suburban ecological oasis. In 1952 a species of crayfish discovered on the site was named after Wesleyan biology professor Thelma Howell.
More recently, thanks largely to the dedication of three Wesleyan professors, James Ferrari and Barry Rhoades in Biology and the late Pat Pritchard in Education, the Wesleyan College Arboretum was formalized on the property in 1996. This nationally certified Arboretum with hundreds of plant species, over 150 species of birds, and diverse collections of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians will continue to serve Wesleyan and Macon as a place of education and a valuable, protected urban forest.
These three “Arb Boys” as the three professors became known have devoted countless hours laboring themselves and inspiring others to help the Arboretum reach its potential. They renovated the Anderson Cabin, designed the adjacent Edenfield Pavilion and stone fire circle, built multiple timber bridges, and continue to clear the three-mile trail system. The Arb has been used in many Biology and Environmental Science courses, but also in other disciplines including classes in Visual Art, English, Health and Education and Political Science. It has hosted musical
performances and art installations as well as numerous student events. Cross country races, birdwatching expeditions and many school visits have helped the Arboretum create connections between Wesleyan and the Macon community.
While the Wesleyan Arboretum has had a focus on conservation and will always remain a favorite tranquil destination for residents and visitors, there are many new initiatives being instituted including plans for a farmto-table dinner and instituting an inaugural academic environmental justice colloquium which will bring in experts from across the nation. Knowing the affection our community has for the Arboretum, the “Friends of the Arboretum Auxiliary” is being formed. If you wish to contribute to the ongoing protection and development of the Arboretum, please visit the Arboretum page on the Wesleyan website or get in touch with Dr. Rhoades at brhoades@wesleyancollege.edu.
Wesleyan's 2023-24 athletic year was chockfull of excitement; across the board, studentathletes found new ways to take their respective teams to the next level and to grow the prestigious brand that is Wolves athletics.
While the College and its athletic department takes great pride in all of its athletes, none soared higher than 2024 Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Freshman Softball Player of the Year, Sydnee Mcelveen.
A Macon native and alumnus of Howard High School, Mcelveen played an impactful role for the 2024 Wolves, posting a staggering .437 batting average in 87 trips to the plate, tallying 25 RBIs and launching three home runs, all while holding down third base on defense with a .933 fielding percentage, successfully putting her peers on notice as one of the premier athletes within the CCS.
“It's an honor to be named Freshman Player of the Year for the CCS,” Mcelveen said. “Being able to represent Wesleyan and this community is really special. I also think it serves as a testament to my work ethic.”
I didn't think I would be as close with the team as I became. The upperclassmen help me both on and off the field. They help me study, they help me get extra reps in and they encourage me to keep my head-up when I'm on the field.”
According to Mcelveen, the support from her teammates is not unique to her success; rather, a testament to the positive culture constructed within the program.
“Our team has a really solid culture of pushing each other,” Mcelveen. “We're always getting together to put in extra work. Whether it's in the batting cage or hitting fungos on the field, my teammates were always in to go get reps.”
Mcelveen shared her belief that the uplifting culture stems from the supportive outlook generated by head coach Ryan Bliss' unwavering commitment to uplifting his squad.
“Coach Bliss always has a positive attitude,” Mcelveen said. “I've never seen him upset or angry. He's really good at keeping a level head. He's just happy to be out there, which plays to my advantage. I don't respond as well to coaches who put too much pressure on their team, I play my best when my coaches are uplifting and supportive.”
With the naming of Freshman of the Year and the establishment of a strong culture at the forefront of Mcelveen's list of season-long accomplishments, the rising star emphasized that this is just the beginning for Wesleyan softball.
“This is just the beginning for us,” Mcelveen said. “I think it's a good look for Wesleyan softball. Aside from me being the rookie of the year, we have a really talented young group who's hungry to win and willing to work.”
As Mcelveen gears up for a follow-up campaign in the 2025 season and excitement grows around Wolves softball, one thing is clear: Wesleyan fans will have much to cheer for across the 2024-25 year, and for many more to come.
WESLEYAN WESLEYAN WESLEYAN WESLEYAN
While acknowledging the nature of this milestone, Mcelveen credits her teammates as a large factor in earning all-conference honors.
“I have a lot of credit and thanks to give to my teammates,” Mcelveen said. “When I first started my softball career here at Wesleyan,
Meet Katina Cabiness
What does DEI mean to you?
When it comes to my life, being open to those that are different from me. Also making sure that I am inclusive of everyone. Not only that but I foster an environment where everyone feels like they belong.
When it comes to my profession and what I do here at Wesleyan, I take what I call a DEI lens, and I look at everything from search committees, hiring practices, recruiting staff and recruiting students, and see how we go about fostering an environment where we embrace all our differences and building programs, policies, procedures, to ensure that we are fair to everyone.
What in your professional and personal life has led you to pursue a career in DEI?
Growing up, always feeling like I was different and having to forge my own path. But also- I just have love for people. I love people! I love meeting new people, I love understanding different cultures, different ethnicities and different ways of life. Whether it's domestic or abroad. I just think that we all bring so many wonderful attributes to the table, and it makes you a more well rounded person when you're open. Because when we sit down and we talk, even though we're different, we'll find out that we have so much in common.
How do you hope to make an impact on campus through a DEI lens?
My goal is to take my DEI executive leadership lens and look at every department to see if there are instances in which an individuals or groups feel impacted by others' words or actions and then be their voice and advocate for them. Sometimes, we don't realize the effect we have on others. Our perception is our reality. Often, it helps to envision ourselves in different roles.
Why is it so important for a college like Wesleyan to have an increased emphasis on DEI?
We have a wonderful collage of cultures. We have students from Argentina, Pakistan, India. We've got African-American students, Latinx students. Wesleyan is a prime example of what I consider to be the 'great melting pot,' and we are the first college to grant baccalaureates to women. So there is a big move, and it continues to be a big move, of women in leadership. Women are progressing more now than ever before. So it's a totally different landscape. We have to be open to embrace all that come to our institution to foster an environment of belonging and give the students, the faculty and the staff, what they need in order to go out and function in a world that is very diverse.
THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE WCAA BOARD OF MANAGERS:
PRESIDENT ANNA CORNELIOUS MARTIN '04
What led you to Wesleyan?
I was born, raised, and educated in the Bibb County Public School System in Macon, GA. Because of this, I absolutely did not want to go to Wesleyan but leaving was not financially possible. My Mom then encouraged me to visit Wesleyan. All I knew after that visit was that I wanted to be as articulate and confident as the young women I met that day!
What was your favorite place on campus?
As a part of my work study, I was as an assistant in the Taylor Hall Chemistry Laboratory which became my favorite place on campus. This is where I became an adult and found my passion. I truly believe that the Young Anna is still somehow there.
What extracurricular activities did you enjoy while at Wesleyan?
As I was working several days a week and on scholarship as a Chemistry Major, I chose not to participate in a lot of extracurriculars. The fear of not finishing college caused me to work very hard, I was scared to have fun. Still, I managed to establish strong friendships and be involved in Wesleyan traditions like STUNT.
What course at Wesleyan is most memorable?
Taylor Hall Chemistry Lab made me grow-up but Calculus 2 made me confident! With a solid 3.5 GPA, having a D was out of the question for me but that was my reality first semester of sophomore year. As a College procedure, I had to defend my position to remain in the class although knowing that I could lose my scholarship. This instance
reminded me of when I was in high school and I made an F in Physics. My teacher told me that I was not a strong STEM student. I just chose not to listen. So, similarly, I insisted I should continue. I worked harder than I ever did in any other course. I made a B in that class and raised by GPA. Because I truly fought for that grade, I had the highest respect for that course…it's the only College textbook on my shelf. Wesleyan is a great place to acquire the confidence not to accept the words of those who would limit your possibilities.
What do you see as the key advantages Wesleyan offers its students?
There are many but most importantly, Wesleyan molds you as an individual because you are valued and seen as a person. I was not a number, I was Anna. Wesleyan enabled me to be the first Black Woman to graduate with a Masters
in Environmental Engineering from Clemson. But Graduate school was more tunnel vision. At Wesleyan I looked everyone in the eyes and knew all fellow students as individuals.
Today's students are deeply concerned with environmental issues. Do you have any advice for them?
I look at environmental issues like cultural issues. Even if you can't personally fix everything, as a citizen, it should create an opportunity for you to learn about it.
Don't be afraid to make a difference. Every small difference adds up! Even if you do TikToks to show small things that promote climate awareness, that is a start. Use the fact that your generation is far better connected than any before as an entry point.
Why have you chosen to dedicate yourself to the Alumnae Board?
As I mentioned, I was not an uberactive student with sports or clubs. As I started working, I appreciated Wesleyan more. Adapting to the professional world was easy because I knew how to make friends, to resolve conflict, and to work hard to achieve goals.
I loved Wesleyan retrospectively even more than when I was there. This is my way of giving back. When you get into the real world and realize how vicious it can be you are going to appreciate that place that appreciated you.
What do you hope to accomplish as Chair?
I have two goals. I want the students and the Association to know that the Board is its reflection: we are diverse: culturally, ethnically, socially, economically and professionally, and
we are human and connected. In this, I am so proud to serve on a Board that represents the demographics of Wesleyan, so no aluma does not feel a sense of belonging. I also want to show the value of the Alumnae Association. We are the oldest alumnae association in the world: we should have the same, if not greater, level of pride and excitement as other organizations. I want everyone to know that there is a place for them at our table as we fulfill the duty of caring for Wesleyan and its legacy. We can protect our sisterhood and our friendships by securing that legacy.
Any final words to fellow alumnae about getting involved?
Every day I grow a deeper respect for my experience at Wesleyan and it is a blessing. We have an opportunity to ensure others gain the same benefits for generations to come.
A WESLEYAN THANK YOU TO ALUMNAE DIRECTOR
For over three decades, Cathy Coxey Snow has been a tireless advocate and champion for her alma mater. Cathy became Alumnae Director in 1992 and since that time, she built a world-class alumnae relations program. Throughout her tenure, Cathy poured her heart into building connections, creating innovative programs, and fostering a deep sense of Wesleyan pride among generations of alumnae. Cathy will retire from Wesleyan College following Alumnae Weekend 2025. We invite you to join us to celebrate Cathy's accomplishments and show your support and gratitude during Alumnae Weekend, April 25 to April 27, 2025.
Cathy's journey with Wesleyan began in 1966 when she enrolled as a member of the Purple Class of 1970. The year 2025 would be Cathy's 55th reunion. However, a devastating car accident at the start of her sophomore year left her in a body cast and facing a lengthy recovery period at home in Florida. Undeterred, Cathy returned to Wesleyan in the fall of 1968 and took her place with the Gold Class of 1971.
Despite the challenges she faced, Cathy's love for Wesleyan only grew stronger. As a student, she was actively involved in campus life, serving as a Junior Marshal, editor of the Wesleyan Creative Magazine, a Scribe, and a staff reporter for the Times and Challenge. She was also a member of prestigious honor societies such as Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Gamma Mu, Pi Delta Epsilon, and Mortar Board.
After graduating, Cathy's dedication to Wesleyan only deepened. She took on numerous volunteer roles, including vice president of the Macon Alumnae Club, decorations chair for
CATHY SNOW '71
Alumnae Weekend, Alumnae Weekend Chair through her service on the Alumnae Association's Board of Managers, and co-chair for the inauguration reception for President Robert K. Ackerman. Cathy also served as the Alumnae Link Program chair, class notes reporter for the alumnae magazine, class liaison, and candlelighter, among other responsibilities.
Cathy's impact, however, extends far beyond her involvement on campus. She has served as an ambassador for the College through her community involvement with organizations such as the Career Women's Network of Macon, the American Association of University Women (Macon Chapter), the Wesleyan Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, the Morning Music Club of Macon, the History Club of Macon, the Macon Concert Association, the Macon Symphony Orchestra, and the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Business Bureau.
In recognition of Cathy's unwavering dedication and tireless service, the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association renamed the Distinguished Service to Wesleyan College award the Cathy Coxey Snow Award for Distinguished Service to Wesleyan in 2022. This honor, presented during Alumnae Weekend, will forever be a testament to Cathy's legacy and the indelible mark she has left on her alma mater.
Through her countless contributions and her boundless enthusiasm, Cathy Coxey Snow has embodied the true spirit of Wesleyan College. As the institution celebrates her retirement, the Wesleyan community stands united in its gratitude for this extraordinary alumna.
INTERNSHIPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Preparing students for success upon graduation has long been at the forefront of initiatives at Wesleyan College; however, when the opportunity arises for Wesleyannes to simultaneously grow professionally and give back to the Middle Georgia community, the college is especially proud to call the student one of her own.
Senior Jordanne “JoJo” Lindo is a prime example of this very feat. A business administration major with a focus in healthcare administration, Lindo received the opportunity to intern with the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia over the course of her junior year spring semester. Throughout her experience, she was able to attain valuable experience in the realm of non-profit management while bolstering her passion for giving back to the community.
“I had a really great experience with being able to touch a little bit on the nonprofit sector,” Lindo said. “I was able to practice things like grant writing, to participate in some of our fundraising initiatives and was also able to witness and practice the many different forms of leadership that happens in nonprofits.”
During the course of her time with the Ronald McDonald House, Lindo was
challenged to not only become more self-sufficient, but to develop the skills necessary to be a valuable asset to any team.
“While I was able to complete many of my projects by myself, I was also able to learn how to work in a team,” Lindo said. “I witnessed how those team dynamics shift in different work situations.”
Although she acknowledges the value in sharpening skills as a team player, the standout senior noted that the most impactful takeaway for her — personally — was the importance of being resourceful in the professional world.
“The most important thing that I learned was how to be resourceful,” Lindo said. “I was able to really look at the resources that were there before and to see how we can either shape them into newer things that we can use to develop our mission or to see how we can benefit from acquiring new things to advance our resources.”
Lindo's outstanding efforts and tremendous leaps of growth are evident, as told by her direct supervisor, President and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia Patty Gibbs.
“I have really enjoyed getting to know [Lindo,]” Gibbs said. “She has very high
goals and ambitions, which was fun to talk about what she wanted her outcomes to be here at the House. I've seen her grow from working independently to learning how to work in a team, she's learned how to market information about an organization and she did a really great job producing a piece for our 'pull tab' program.”
When reflecting upon her time with the Ronald McDonald House — which she continues to contribute to — Lindo expressed an immense amount of gratitude and emphasized the value in taking meaningful internships that not only prepare a student for life postgraduation, but allows for them to make an impact within the community.
“There is an immense amount of value in taking internships such as mine at the Ronald McDonald House,” Lindo said. “I will not only be able to take things that I learned in my internship and apply them to my classes, but to get the experience that I need to be successful in my career.”
As Lindo continues her internship with the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia over the course of her senior year, Wesleyan College remains her biggest cheerleader in making an impact in Middle Georgia and beyond.
WESLEYAN
ASHLEIGH WOODS CLASS OF 2024
“I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE IN THE POSITION OF BEING ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES AT WESLEYAN THAT I HAD. I'M VERY GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL TO THIS POINT IN MY LIFE AND AM ABLE TO GIVE BACK, WHETHER THAT BE AS A MENTOR OR IN ANY OTHER CAPACITY. I'VE ALREADY BEEN THINKING ABOUT WAYS THAT I CAN USE THE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION AT WESLEYAN AS A MEDIUM TO GIVE BACK TO THE PLACE I LOVE SO MUCH.”
“BEING AN AMBASSADOR FOR WESLEYAN REALLY HELPED ME GET OUT OF MY SHELL. I LOVE TALKING TO PEOPLE ABOUT WESLEYAN. IT REALLY HELPED ME TO TAKE THIS SCHOOL AND THIS COMMUNITY THAT I DEEPLY LOVE AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD. THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT I REALLY ENJOYED, GETTING TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND TO INTRODUCE THEM TO THE PLACE THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME. WHAT'S REALLY COOL IS THAT NOW — AS AN ALUM — I CAN CONTINUE TO BE AN AMBASSADOR FOR THIS WONDERFUL PLACE.”
JULIA CHINKAHN
CLASS OF 2024
The 2024 Alumnae Weekend served as the conclusion to my tenure as President of the Alumnae Association. Reflecting on how well the College has met the challenges of change since the beginning of my tenure, I am not only pleased with what the College has accomplished but equally proud of how the WCAA has supported Wesleyan's efforts in preserving her legacy. In the last three years, the word “change” was a recurring theme: the world changed with our transitioning in and out of a global pandemic, the College's vision changed through the tenure of two presidents, and the WCAA changed its means of supporting the College. I would like to highlight and celebrate some of our accomplishments below.
In 2023, Wesleyan College reclaimed her presence in the Macon and Middle Georgia communities. With College flags waving along the streets of downtown Macon, including College Street, and her
A MESSAGE FROM THE PAST WCAA PRESIDENT
emblem placed on billboards throughout the area, the College continues to promote her brand in Macon. In addition, Wesleyan opened our off-campus gem, the Wesleyan Leadership Lab, where mentoring, networking, and internship experiences there provide students with access to a world of off-campus opportunities.
On campus, we celebrated the re-opening of Banks Hall, the updated new home to our first-year students. The extensively remodeled historic Candler Building, where the Alumnae Office and the headquarters of the WCAA are located, also reopened.
In 2023, the WCAA welcomed its most diverse Board of Managers to date. The Board's current 16 members represent different ethnicities, generations, backgrounds, experiences, careers, and residential geographical areas. This diversity, reflected in each member's personal profile, roles, and responsibilities, has established an even stronger foundation that serves as the voice of the WCAA and nexus between students and their future.
The WCAA's Board of Managers also embraced change by revising the Association's bylaws and creating a handbook of policies and procedures that will ensure consistency in the Board's decision-making efforts. The WCAA Board also adopted a much-needed position, the Member-at-Large for Alumnae
WCAA BOARD OF MANAGERS
Engagement. This position will allow the Board to place a special emphasis in bringing all alumnae together.
During Alumnae Weekend 2024, another change occurred where the WCAA adopted a new tradition, The Passing of the Gavel. Here, former past presidents of the Board each pass the gavel to each other and finally into the hands of the incoming president of the Board. It was a beautiful feeling as the WCAA gavel landed in my hands and then I placed it into the hand of our new President, Anna Cornelious Martin '04, who is the right person to lead the Alumnae Association at this time in our history.
Every single one of these changes confirm what we all know: Wesleyan College is a special place. I am thankful for my years on the WCAA Board of Managers and to everyone with whom I served, including Alumnae Association past presidents. I learned something from each of them. Now we have even more to look forward to under the leadership of our current WCAA President, Anna Martin '04.
In August, the board of managers of the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association met at Wesleyan’s Leadership Lab in downtown Macon for its 20242025 annual retreat, where members discussed short-term and long-term goals. Using the College’s new strategic plan as a roadmap to secure Wesleyan’s future, the WCAA created its own four-point plan, Points of Directions (PODs), that supports each of the four pillars of success in the college’s strategic plan. Stay tuned for how YOU, as an alumna, can be engaged in this exciting new direction to move the College forward by working together with your Wesleyan sisters through the WCAA.
Jan M. Lawrence '80 Past President, WCAA
25 WEEKEND Alumnae
CLASS OF 1954
ROW 1 (L-R): ATHELYN WADE
BUTTRILL, RUTH WHITE FRUIT, ANN PARSONS ODUM
CLASS OF 1959
CAROL KING POPE
CLASS OF 1964
ROW 1 (L-R): MARY HELEN HALL RINGE, HARRIETTE JAMES BALLARD;
ROW 2 (L-R): LORINDA LOU BELLER, FRANCES WHITE SKOGLUND, HANNAH RAMANOU '20 (GREEN CLASS STUDENT HOSTESS), SUZANNE GOSNELL JOYE, AGNES ALBRIGHT, PEGGY PIERCE CHANDLER, MARY HELEN POPE DANIEL NOT PICTURED: MARY HELEN JOHNSON, ROSALYN MOYE
CLASS OF 1969
ROW 1 (L-R): MELISSA LANE
THOMAS, BETSY DASHER, JUDY HAISTEN GATTIS, BETTY HOOD LYDICK, DOROTHY SMITH STEWART, SHARON MALONE BOYD, BARBARA BUGG;
ROW 2 (L-R): KAREN GARR, EMMALINE HADDLE PURSLEY, PAT ONDO SNYDER, SUSAN EWING MADDOX, DIANNE CARSTARPHEN BOWMAN, EMILY VARDAMAN ADAMS, KAY TROWBRIDGE THOMAS;
ROW 3 (L-R): DALE PARKER CRAIG, JUNE SHIVER, GWEN JOHNSON POLIDORO, ALICE PENNINGER BEASLEY;
ROW 4 (L-R): LINDA SMITH GREGG, SUSAN ROGERS MILLS, ANN REAVES BURR, SUSAN ISAACS DODSON, ANN KINNICK KEANE
CLASS OF 1974
ROW 1 (L-R): GINNY WOODS EVERETT, PAT STILLWAGON KESSLER, MARION ELLIOTT LEWIS, MAELU DARSEY CULPEPPER, DEBBIE DOYLE EDENFIELD, LICIA DRINNON JACKSON, WANDA STRICKLAND SAULS, SUSAN POWERS CHAMPION; ROW 2 (L-R): MARTI ANDREWS WILLIS, CAROL BROWN SHERROD, PENNY THOMAS, JANE WILLIAMS TARMAN, DEBBIE DAHL BELL, SHARON BLOSS JONES, PATTI SCHMUTZER FEDELEM, DARCIA JONES FRANCEY;
ROW 3 (L-R):
SANDRA DUKE SALLEE, PAM HICKS
KELLY, HAZEL BURNS STRUBY, BEVERLY HINELY MACMAHON, LYNN HALL SMITH, EVE WALLING WOHLFORD, SUE SHERRILL
ROW 1 (L-R): LORETTA PINKSTONPOPE, CONNIE AVERETT, CARSWELL HANNON PATTERSON; ROW 2 (L-R): PATRICIA STERLING BRZEZINSKI, JO DUKE, AVA ARNOLD WYATT
CLASS OF 1989
ROW 1 (L-R): ALICE CUMMINGS CARSON, CHERYL MILLS LAMB, DENISE CHEEK BROWN, TANYA WADE, MARY BETH BROWN
SWEARINGEN, MALIKA GHOSH
GARRETT, PAM HISSING JACOBSON, JULIE BAKER HUSTER, PENNY WHITLEY WINDHAM, GINA HOGAN MCLEAN, JERI ROPERO MILLER, ASHLEY JONES CLEAVER, MONNI ASBELL PARRISH, SUZANNE HOUSE NELSON; ROW 2 (L-R): SUSAN FAY FLOWERS, KRISTIN CLAUS, ANGIE HUMPHRIES TAYLOR, LURA HARRELL HAMMOCK, JENNIFER KANE CHACOSKY, DEBBIE STEVENSON MOSES, TYRENE HOUSE NEIL; NOT PICTURED: DONNA CAROLE STRIBLING KITCHENS, TIFFANY BRANNEN TAYLOR
CLASS OF 1994
ALEXIS LONG, MELANIE RAHN, KATIE CAIN JOHNSON, KIM CASEY MELSON, ELIZABETH BOCKMILLER CERANOWSKI, JILL HAUVER
CELESTE, ALLISON CARTER WOODWARD, JAQUI DRAVIS WILSON, WENDY NEMBHARD, CARA CARROLL BAITY, JANELLE REYNOLDS FLEMING, NIKKI COLLINS
CLASS OF 1999
FROM L-R: CARRIE WALKER DUMM, TIFFANY GRAYSON, JOY SMITH, KAWANA PRINTUP, AMANDA MARINE EVANS, DANA KARSTENSEN, BINGLE BROWN, NICOLE ARNAULT, KRISSY ANDERSON, MARY LYNN JOHNSON TRUELOVE, ODONA EZELLWHIDDON, AMANDA AVERY, TRACIE “P-DOG” PORTER, JESSICA JARMAN, SARAH MARSHALL NEAL, DANIELLE FLEMING FANNING, LIZA SANDEN, HEATHER BEENE BOOKER
CLASS OF 2004
FRONT ROW (L-R): JULIA MONROE, ADRI FORERO, KOURTNEY GURLEY, SABRINA LANEY WARREN, KATIE CROZIER-THEIS, MARY BETH MCCOY BROUGHTON, CHRISTINE HARNESS THOMPSON, SAWYER BETHEL, EMILY DUKE LEVAN; BACK ROW (L-R): MARY KATHRYN BORLAND, LIBBY GARRETT KING, MONICA HARPER DEKLE, SARAH SHEAROUSE, ALEX ALDICA WILLIS, ANNA CORNELIOUS MARTIN, JULIANA CABRALES
CLASS OF 2014
FRONT ROW (L-R): DIEP NGUYEN, KAYLA BUTLER SEAWELL, JENNIFER EADIE HOPKINS, RALEIGH CATE CHANCE AGUIRRE, BEVERLY HICKS; BACK ROW (L-R): BETH HURST, ASHLEE DAY, AARON SOUTH WALKER, SONJA SANDERS KELLY STEELE
CLASS OF 2023
FROM L-R: REBECCA PURSIFUL, SAVANNAH SMALLWOOD, TREVOR MCAVOY
ALUMNAECONNECTIONS
Building Community. A new strategic plan for Wesleyan has set the stage for the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association (WCAA) to assist the College in building an even more collaborative community. One where students, faculty, and alumnae work together to expand and share the Wesleyan experience on campus, in the local community, and abroad. New alumnae engagement programs that provide opportunities for student mentorships, networking partnerships, workplace recruitment, reskilling/upskilling, and advisory roles serve to enhance alumnae involvement and sisterhood. Won't YOU become an active member in the WCAA and move Wesleyan forward by helping to recruit, mentor, and retain students, raise funds for scholarships, and support The Wesleyan Fund? Won't YOU help future generations of students achieve academic goals and make the most of their Wesleyan experience? Let's build community together and help Wesleyan grow! Contact the Alumnae Office at csnow@wesleyancollege.edu (478) 757-5173 or the WCAA Board of Managers at WesleyanBOM@gmail.com for more ways to engage.
Alumnae Weekend 2025. We hope YOU are making plans to return to campus for Alumnae Weekend on April 25, 26, & 27, and join special reunion year classes in celebrating the ties that bind us together. Remember, Alumnae Weekend is not just for reunion classes!
Georgia
Atlanta
Sarah Shearouse '04 is president of the Atlanta Club. For more information about upcoming Club events contact atlanta@wesleyancollege.edu.
Macon
Summer months found Macon alumnae and their guests at the baseball field for Alumnae/ Alumni Night at the Macon-Bacon Baseball Game in June and July. Area alumnae met in August to welcome new students to campus on Move-In-Day. Macon alumnae CEO Leadership Mentors attended a Networking Luncheon at the Leadership Lab in downtown Macon in August, where Wesleyan President Meaghan Blight was on hand to greet alumnae and students. Featured speaker Betsy Martin Bunte '68 discussed the importance of Gratitude and Thankfulness. Macon's Pioneer Book Club members continue to meet on campus in the Benson Board Room.
North
Carolina (Raleigh/Durham)
North Carolina Triangle Club
President Blight met with members of the Club during their annual meeting at The Carolina Country Club in January to discuss the College's strategic plan for creating a stronger Wesleyan. Linda Brown Walker '73 and Pamela Henry Pate '71 are co-leaders of the group. Pamela Pate issued a challenge - the Triangle Club Challenge for President Blight - to each of her 75 Wesleyan sisters in the area to support the College's financial goals through the Wesleyan Fund. This is a new way for the Club to have an even more meaningful impact on the College's future.
Sisterhood in Action: Connecting with Students
ALUMNAE WELCOME NEW STUDENTS ON MOVE-IN DAY. In August, new students received special tote bags and other Wesleyan swag from the WCAA and alumnae office. In September, the WCAA Board of Managers hosted an ice-cream social for all student athletes. WCAA board member Judy Whitaker '75 spearheaded the Wolf Pack Welcome Back event for 76 athletes. The alumnae office and WCAA participated in Summer Orientation and Cathy Coxey Snow '71, alumnae director, was on hand at the Involvement Fair to promote the alumnae association and the importance of alumnae volunteerism and engagement to students.
SENIOR CELEBRATION BREAKFAST. The Oval Hall served as the venue in September for this annual “Welcome Back” event honoring Seniors. Sponsored by the alumnae office and the WCAA, Seniors were treated to special “after hours” breakfast fare. Anna Cornelious Martin '04, WCAA president, and Dr. Vida Olivares '02, WCAA board member, previewed Class of 2025 traditional events that focused on mentoring, “life after Wesleyan,” Candlelighting, Senior Toast, and keeping in touch with the College after graduation.
Got Sisterhood? Get Social!
For current updates on news of classmates and friends, check www.facebook.com/WesleyanCollegeAlummnaeAssociation.
CLUBFACEBOOK
1. Leaving a Lasting Legacy. Susannah Kimmey Bartko and Laura Kimmey Nix admire the new gingko tree planted at Willet Library as a loving tribute to their late mother, Susan Pyeatt Kimmey '71, loyal alumna, trustee, and board chair 2014 - 2017.
2. Growing the Collection. Elaine Whitehurst '53 (Conservatory) presented Susan Allen a unique blue pottery vase for Wesleyan's Art Collection, by famous ceramist Leon Moburg '51 (CON). Mr. Moburg was a renowned professor of ceramics at Redland University in California.
4. Time Out. WCAA board members take a break from Retreat on the rooftop of Hotel Forty-Five in downtown Macon.
5. Commencement Prep. Macon area alumnae pass out graduation gifts to members of the Green Class of 2024.
6. Majors & Career Paths. Center for Career Development (CCD) convo speaker Tracy Knight MacDonald '95 discusses with students how your major doesn't always dictate your career path.
7. Thankful and Grateful. Betsy Martin Bunte '68 speaks about the importance of Gratitude & Thankfulness in everyday life at the CEO Mentor Networking Luncheon in September.
8. Breakfast with a Twist. Members of the Class of 2025 enjoy a nighttime welcome back Senior Celebration Breakfast sponsored by the
and
9. Support & Serve. Raleigh/Durham area alumnae meet with President Blight at their annual meeting to discuss how to support and serve Wesleyan through the College's strategic plan.
10. Move-In-Day. In August, alumnae volunteers welcome new students with Wesleyan swag.
3. Wolf Pack Welcome Back. Macon and Atlanta alumnae staff the ice cream buffet for student athletes.
alumnae office
the WCAA in Oval Hall.
Sympathy
The Wesleyan College Alumnae Association extends sympathy to:
Mary Terrell Mitchell '59, on the death of her sister, Faye Terrell Williams '57, on June 1, 2024.
Carolyn Wray Calvert '60, on the death of her spouse, Robert Lamar Calvert, on February 15, 2024.
Ann Woodruff Carroll '60, on the death of her spouse, Rev. John B. Carroll, on June 24, 2024.
Ann McDonald Hurt '60, on the death of her spouse, C. Clayton Hurt, Jr., on December 18, 2023.
Gail Little Lamb '60, on the death of her daughter, Susan Lamb Downey, on March 21, 2023.
Patricia Shriver Mancuso '60, on the death of her spouse, Dennis J. Mancuso, on February 24, 2024.
Margaret McCready Cornell '60, on the death of her spouse, Rev. Gary S. Cornell, on October 23, 2023.
Giulia LaCagnina Saucier '60, on the death of her brother, David Henry LaCagnina, on April 28, 2024.
Katherine “Kate” Stickley Watson '60, on the death of her husband, H. Mitchell Watson, Jr., on February 25, 2024.
Harriett Laslie Reynolds '61, on the death of her spouse, Dr. John D. Reynolds III, on August 19, 2022.
Lynn Cochran Thompson '61 on the death of her spouse, Gerry Vandrill Thompson, on November 4, 2023.
Ann McDonald Hurt '64, on the death of her spouse, Clayton Hurt, on December 18, 2023.
Cecilia Hatcher Hash '65, on the death of her spouse, Thomas “Tom” Walter Hash, on October 20, 2023.
Sally Cope Huhn '65, on the death of her spouse, Walter Frederick Huhn II, on November 14, 2023.
Diane Estrumse Taylor '65, on the death of her daughter, Stephanie Elise Taylor, on November 15, 2023.
Jane Kappel Ashley '68, on the death of her spouse, Harold L. Ashley, on February 11, 2024.
Dell Hitchcock Bailey '69, on the death of her spouse, Philip Bates Bailey, M.D., on March 26, 2024.
Carol Ann Kranig '69, on the death of her spouse, William Kevin Thomas, M.D., on January 1, 2023.
Barbara Roland Colwell '70, on the death of her spouse, Robert “Bob” Franklin Colwell III, on August 29, 2024.
Maureen Monnet Hyde '70, on the death of her brother, Robert Darrough Monnet, on May 20, 2023.
Susan Swann Sutherland '70, on the death of her spouse, William “Bill” Preston Sutherland, on December 24, 2022.
Laurie Olmstead Yankoski '70, on the death of her brother, Robin Charles Olmstead, on January 7, 2024.
Becky Curtis Basset '71, on the death of her spouse, Jack Basset, on December 25, 2023.
Deborah Clement Haynes '71, on the death of her spouse, Robert G. “Bobby” Haynes, on November 26, 2022.
Becky Edenfield Lingerfelt '71, on the death of her spouse, Johnny M. Lingerfelt, on November 26, 2023.
Martha “Marty” Mincey '71, on the death of her spouse, Henry “Butch” Jackson Hulett, on August 8, 2022.
Helen Ferguson Zachry '71, on the death of her spouse, James “Griggs” Zachry III, on December 29, 2023.
Mary Helen Sheehan Wroble '74, on the death of her spouse, Arthur “Art” Gerard Wroble, on January 15, 2023.
Felecia Pearson Smith '74, on the death of her son, Allan Smith on April 15, 2024, and on the death her sister, Ozerlean E. Pearson Frazier, on April 10, 2024.
Hazel Burns Struby '74, on the death of her sister, Catharine Burns Liles '66, '79, on November 27, 2023.
Wesleyan President Emerita Ruth A. Knox '75, on the death of her brother and former Wesleyan Trustee Robert Edward “Bob” Knox, Jr., on January 4, 2024, and on the death of her sister-in-law, Dorothy Meadows Knox, on February 19, 2024.
Kathy A. Bradley '78 and Katherine Breland Bradley '79, on the death of their father, Johnny Bradley, on July 12th, 2024.
Beth Koon-Spiwak '83, on the death of her father, Dr. Wiley Koon, on May 6, 2024.
Julia Mellard Eberlin '86, on the death of her mother, Florabelle Collier “Flo” Bloodworth Mellard '61, on April 2, 2024.
Lisa Morgan Edwards '87, on the death of her mother, Rosalie Carson Morgan, on February 3, 2023.
Susan K. DeBay '88 and Jan Moody Cayton '71, on the death of Susan's mother and Jan's sister, Katharine Moody Foster '65, on July 18, 2022.
Melissa Malone Constable '91, on the death of her mother, Nedra Martin Malone '65, on December 22, 2023.
Kathy Wagner Marcum '91, on the death of her mother, Deeanna A. Wagner, on January 17, 2024.
Sheila Taylor Southerland White '91, on the death of her mother, Linda Estes Southerland, on February 5, 2024.
Natalie Puckett Evans '02, on the death of her father, Michael Neal Puckett, on June 20, 2024.
Laura Knox Furfari '04, on the death of her father and former Wesleyan Trustee Robert Edward “Bob” Knox, Jr., on January 4, 2024, and on the death of her mother, Dorothy Meadows Knox, on February 19, 2024.
Erin Zinko McKenna '04, on the death of her father, David Lee “Dave” Zinko, on April 27, 2024.
Melanie Reed Williams '06, on the death of her brother, Marques D. Reed, on December 1, 2023.
IN REMEMBRANCE IN MEMORIAM
Robert E. Knox, Jr. (April 30, 1945 – January 4, 2024) Dorothy Meadows Knox (July 17, 1953 – February 19, 2024)
Wesleyan College lost one of its biggest friends and champions when Robert Knox, Jr., of Thomson, Georgia, passed away in January of 2024. Bob was born into the Wesleyan family, with a mother, two sisters, six aunts, and several cousins who were Wesleyan alumnae. After graduating from law school at UGA, he returned to Thomson to practice law with his father, eventually taking over the firm. In addition to his professional career, Bob took on numerous civic and charitable causes, including serving as Thomson's mayor for 29 years, during which time he was president of the Georgia Municipal Association.
High on the list of causes dear to him was Wesleyan College where he succeeded his father on the board of trustees in 1984. For the following forty years he served Wesleyan faithfully. In addition to his personal generosity, which was considerable, he used his influence and commanding presence to raise money for the College, make new friends, and strengthen Wesleyan's relationship with the United Methodist Church. Many will remember his eloquent and touching remarks on behalf of the
Knox Chair of Humanities, the Mary Knox McNeill Scholarship, the Ruth A. Knox Scholarship, the Knox Wing of Taylor Hall, and the Hurdle/Ackerman Chaplaincy all are testaments to his personal generosity and influence in securing major gifts for Wesleyan.
His wife Dorothy Meadows Knox was his partner in every endeavor for 45 years, including as an advocate for Wesleyan College. Her death followed Bob's by just a few weeks. While not a Wesleyan alumna herself, Dot was the daughter of Wesleyan alumna Mary Ann Roach Meadows '46. The Mary Ann Roach Meadows Classroom in Taylor Hall was dedicated as a tribute to Dot's mother on October 14, 2015, the same night the College honored Bob and Dot with special recognition for their “extraordinary contributions” on Benefactors' Day.
Wesleyan College honors the memory of this beloved couple, whose lives of service are an inspiration to us all.
CLASSNOTES
1950s
Robin Chesney Hopkins '51 writes, “I will always appreciate Wesleyan for the fine education I received.”
Claire Houser-Dodd '53 shares, “I lost my oldest and best friend, Varese Chambless '54, before Christmas last year. She was also my Conservatory roommate. She passed away at Navicent Hospital in Macon and was buried in her hometown of Dawson, GA. She will be missed for sure.”
“I was 93 years old on May 2nd, still living alone, and driving close to home in a red 2001 Corvette,” reports Virginia Eidson Robertson '53
1954 (70th Reunion)
Many thanks to Ruth White Fruit '54 who coordinated plans for classmates to attend reunion. Classmates enjoyed a meet-up at the Golden Belles Luncheon, where hot topics of conversation included family news and photos.
Sandra Deisch Ringdahl '57 shares, “I have moved from my son Eric's home here in Gainesville, FL, to a senior living facility, Holiday at Atria. I am enjoying my apartment and have met Wesleyanne Ruth “Patsy” Barfield Vaughn '55! Hi to all the Pirates!”
1959 (65th Reunion)
The WCAA thanks Carol King Pope '59 and Mary Terrell Mitchell '59 for keeping classmates informed about reunion and plans to meet at the Golden Belles Luncheon. Phone calls to classmates made for special “catch-up” conversations and shared memories, even if plans to attend reunion were not possible this year.
Janace Fender Griffin '59 says, “I am remembering the wonderful Wesleyan experience and specifically the friendship with my roommate, Mary Terrell Mitchell '59, that has lasted most of a lifetime.”
1960s
Harriet Holland Schmitt '62 shares, “1st in the family to graduate college, 1st woman to work in Publicity & Public Affairs Department at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and 1st from Hawkinsville to move after college to work at a church in New York City. Happily married until widowed. Mother of two daughters and assisted my blind daughter, Cathy, to be her best including participating in the Paralympics, earning a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, and running the Counseling and Health & Human Services Departments at Cal Poly Pomona for over twenty years. I lived in Santa Barbara, CA, for 45 years, Kona, HI, for seven years, and now reside in Laguna, CA. I swam a mile a day for 20 years and I still walk all the time. I have enjoyed and made good use of the leadership skills I learned at Wesleyan and so enjoy the reunions and helping students through the Holland Book & Supply Scholarship! Go Wolves! I still travel extensively and enjoyed the European Christmas Market Cruises this past year and will go on another cruise to Venice, Italy, and back to Macon for reunions!”
Congratulations to Sylvia Maxwell Brown '63 and her son, Wesleyan Trustee Stanford “Stan” Brown, who co-authored a new book, Fall Line County: A History of Taylor County Georgia, published by the Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society, 2024. Sylvia's daughter and Stan's sister, Wesleyan Trustee Mary Beth Brown Swearingen '89, is proud of her family's endeavor.
1964 (60th Reunion)
The Great Green Knights returned to Wesleyan to celebrate 60 years of sisterhood thanks to Reunion Co-Chairs Dottie Groh Cutler and Mary Helen Hall Ringe along with Suzanne Gosnell Joye and Frances White Skoglund who served on the committee. All agreed they had a “Hoddy Toddy” time!
“Our class celebrated our 60th reunion in 2024. I planned on seeing the few of us that might attend. So proud of my two granddaughters and daughter. So blessed and extra blessed to have my husband by my side,” writes Frances Strickland Masse '64
“Wesleyan was a huge part of my life, and I have returned many times. As the years passed, I became more and more grateful for Wesleyan's influence on my life. My daughter, Sharon Bressoud Mladucky '92, followed my footsteps and graduated from our beloved college. I am 80 now and still recall my Wesleyan experience with joy and gratitude,” writes Linda Maria Willson '64
Peggy Shoemaker Gordon '65 reports, “God is good! We have three great grandchildren: Sawyer, Wyatt, and James. We enjoyed going to Emerald Isle Beach with James and his Knoxville family this summer. Jim and I are in our church praise band; he plays the guitar, and I play percussion. We love to praise Him!”
1969 (55th Reunion)
Red is still the favorite color of the Class of 1969, who returned to campus in April for a red-letter reunion. Many thanks to 1969 Reunion Co-Chairs Susan Ewing Maddox and Diane Carstarphen Bowman who led the charge back to campus, along with 1969 Reunion Committee members, Sharon Malone Boyd, Betty Hood Lydick, Susan Rogers Mills, and Ann Beard Shahid.
1970s
Congratulations to Lindy Anderson '71 who founded the New Beginnings Carol Anderson Furniture Grant Program to honor the legacy of her late sister, Carol Elaine Anderson. The grant offers monthly furniture gifts to local needy people and families through the New Beginnings organization
in Central Florida and in its Thrift Store. A respected lawyer, Carol's life was one of great highs and of challenging lows. After a number of unfortunate life incidents left her with multiple medical conditions, Carol became an alcoholic and homeless. “My sister was a very vital and spirited woman,” says Lindy. “It is not the end when you are down and out. New Beginnings offers a valuable and positive hand up.” Recently, Disney has gotten involved by offering all of their used furniture from hotels to this charity.
Margaret “Louellen” Edwards Jeong '71 had a “Happy Day” on April 20, 2024, when she finally participated in the Candlelighting Ceremony, recited the Benson Charge, and truly became a Wesleyan alumna - 50 years after early graduation in December of 1970. “I never fully understood what I had missed until Reunion 2022 – my first! I will be forever grateful to God and Cathy Snow for giving me this precious blessing of being inducted into the Sisterhood.” Louellen sends special thanks to her Junior Marshal Bethany Hayes '25 and to her Candlelighter, Lindi Lewis '80
Miriam McElheney Jordan '73 teaches at Georgia College & State University and serves as program coordinator for the Middle Grades Graduate Programs.
Susan Paul Tyler '73 writes, “It was so great to see so many Class of 1973 sisters at our 50th reunion in April 2023. What a joyous experience. Thanks to everyone who organized such a wonderful time!”
1974 (50th Reunion)
Pamela Hicks Kelly enjoyed cochairing the 50th reunion along with Susan Powers Champion. Reunion Committee members Ginny Woods Everett, Martha Johnson, Beverly Hinely MacMahon, Felecia Pearson Smith, Penny Thomas, and Hazel Burns Struby all helped to make the 50th a memorable and meaningful weekend!
Mae Louise “Maelu” Darsey Culpepper '74 is enjoying a busy retirement with husband Lew. “We spend as many weeks as possible on the road in our RV with the Hazel Burns Struby '74 goal of visiting all
the national parks. This year we were fortunate enough to take long trips to Alaska and Maine. We love to get back home though to catch up with our kids and grandchildren. We are truly blessed.”
Alumna author Patricia Stillwagon Kessler '74 is proud of her two books: How to Deal with a Horse (A.S. Barnes, 1974) and Chi Kong: Training for Life, Health and Energy (ChiFlow Books, 2011) co-authored with Gerald A. Sharp. Patricia also has a WESLEYAN FIRST – as a global commercial airline pilot for Federal Express – retiring after 25 years in 2013.
Beverly Hinely MacMahon '74 writes, “I thoroughly enjoyed our 50th class reunion. It was wonderful to reconnect with one classmate we had not seen in fifty years! I encourage all alumnae to attend your reunions. Our Wesleyan friendships withstand the test of time. During the pandemic, I started taking cello lessons. It is a challenge with my arthritic hands, but I love playing. I was thrilled to play in my first community orchestra this spring. Playing French horn in a community band and now cello with the orchestra keeps me busy. A special highlight this year was visiting Antarctica. One of my goals is to visit all seven continents. So far, I've made it to six of the seven, with only Australia remaining.”
In Cairo, GA, Sandra Duke Sallee '74 says she is the oldest “firsttime” grandmother to Agostino Fox Forestier who was born August 18, 2023. “I'm still kicking – volunteering on the burn crew at my local nature center and with the education program.” Sandra earned a master's degree and advanced master's degree of library and information studies from Florida State University.
Penny Thomas '74 retired in 2020 after teaching elementary music for 34 years. She earned a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Florida. In July 2022, Penny and her partner Carla and Martha Johnson and her partner Sudie, along with Judy Hoffman, and Debbie Edenfield took an Outlander tour of Scotland together. Afterwards, Penny, Carla, Judy, and Debbie toured sites in London and Bath.
The WCAA congratulates Hazel Burns Struby '74 who received the 2024 Alumnae Award for Distinguished Achievement in a Profession. (See Page 20)
Tina Farkas Williams '74 says, “I have recently retired from the theatre company that I founded in 1976. Next year, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the youth theatre. I am enjoying spending more time with my twelve-year-old granddaughter and eight-year-old grandson.”
Mary McMillan Mancin Jones '78 reports, “As an 'Encore Student' my aim is to show up in 2028 as a Golden Belle and see some of the much younger, amazing music students who graduated with me. They made me feel like an older sister, though I was old enough to be their mom!”
1979 (45th Reunion)
Jackie Webb Bullard '79 loved seeing everyone at her 45th reunion! Jackie served as a reunion co-chair along with Katherine Breland Bradley '79. GH Reunion Committee members also included Lou Bender, Sally Anderson Hemingway, Theresa McKenna, and Linda Stewart Scott, who helped put the finishing touches on a fun-filled 45th! Jackie works part time as a remedial education teacher for Gwinnett County, GA, Public Schools.
The WCAA congratulates Nadine Cheek '79, who received the Cathy Coxey Snow Alumnae Award for Distinguished Service to Wesleyan. (See Page 20)
Margaret Dilbeck Garland '79 writes, “My mother, Lillian Dilbeck, died in a nursing home on March 25, 2018. She was a wonderful mom who sewed my clothes, gardened, and kept bees!”
Lynne Anthoine Hueglin '79 enjoys retirement and stays very busy with numerous volunteer positions in her church. Lynne writes, “Several years ago, I took a class at church to learn how to play mah jongg, such fun and so addicting! I play weekly with a group of friends now. I also bike, quilt, knit, and crochet prayer shawls. It was lovely to be back on
campus for reunion.”
“We're moved to northeast TN this past summer (2024),” says Rebecca Tuten McClain '79
Theresa L. McKenna '79 is retired!
Congratulations to Sarah Johnston Miller '79 who was named a fellow of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (FASPEN) in 2023. She also retired in June 2023 after teaching for 35 years at the University of Montana's Skaggs School of Pharmacy.
Sherrie Shellard O'Hara '79 writes, “Living a full, retired life on Amelia Island- biking, playing a lot of Mahjongg, and team trivia. Come see us at the beach!”
Natalie Anderson Rauch '79 reports, “Enjoying living in Hawaii!”
Linda Chastain Rowe '79 shares that she is a part-time accountant for a media company that works with ministers.
“My husband, Art, and I are enjoying being retired, but we're as busy as ever. We are both active in our church's marriage ministryfacilitating in workshops for engaged and newly married couples. I'm a Mentor Mom in a Mothers of Preschoolers group. My favorite 'job' is being Grandma to four boys!” says Linda Stewart Scott '79
1980s
Beth Parker Davis '83 writes, “I am currently head of Stratford Academy Olson Library. I hosted the New York Times best-selling author Laura Numeroff in September. Ms. Numeroff read from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and her latest book Rasing a Hero about service dogs. I am delighted to see many of the Wesleyan alumnae on Stratford's campus.”
“I am sad to report the passing of my father, Dr. Wiley Koon, on May 6, 2024. Daddy was a HUGE fan of Wesleyan and was so proud to join us for Alumnae Weekend 2018 to see me receive my Alumnae Award. He was sorry he could not attend in
2023 for our GH '83 reunion. He loved visiting campus and I will always have great memories of FatherDaughter Weekend and of STUNT, writes Beth Koon-Spiwak '83.” (See Sympathy)
1984 (40th Reunion)
The WCAA thanks the Class of 1984 GK Reunion Committee members Patricia Sterling Brzezinski, Connie Averett, and Carswell Hannon Patterson, for planning a special “Hoddy Toddy” 40th!
Debra McGee Ambrose '84 reports, “We've been pastors at Manning 1st Assembly of God for 12 years. Daddy passed away June 1, 2023, after he turned 100 in April. We bought a house this year, so we are planning to stay in SC at least until retirement. Tony, our older son, is on staff at a church in Riverview, FL. He and Jen have three children and one due in December. Wesley also lives in Manning, SC, and has a 2-year-old, George.”
Peg Shippen Atkisson '84 shares, “I am currently living on a 40-foot sailboat and running my company from the water. I launched two kids, one currently a midshipman at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis (Class of 2025) and one living in Tucson and leaning into adulthood. Celebrated 33 years of marriage this year.”
“My husband and I moved back to Georgia after 34 years in North Carolina, and I look forward to being able to see Wesleyan friends more frequently,” writes Merri Hart White '86
1989 (35th Reunion)
Kudos to the Class of 1989 for planning a fun-filled 35th thanks to Reunion Chair Malika Ghosh Garrett, Co-Chairs Mary Beth Brown Swearingen, and Pam Hissing Jacobson, with Lura Harrell Hammock rounding out the committee for a true “red-as-can-be” reunion.
Mary Beth Brown Swearingen '89 is proud of her family's heritage and of a new book co-authored by her mother, Sylvia Maxwell Brown '63, and her brother, Wesleyan Trustee Stan Brown, entitled Fall Line
County: A History of Taylor County Georgia, published by the Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society, 2024.
1990s
1994 (30th
Reunion)
Many thanks to Jaqui Dravis Wilson '94 who served as chair of her “perfectly purple” 30th Class Reunion along with classmate committee members Jill Hauver Celeste, Elizabeth Bockmiller Ceranowski, Mary Cay White Morgan, Holly Cook O'Reagan, and Lisa Brannen Pompa Jill Hauver Celeste '94 and her family relocated to Moore, SC, in May 2023. They love the weather and scenery! “I am a proud Marine mom, too,” says Jill. “Professionally I am the founder of virtual networkers, a global virtual networking organization for women entrepreneurs.” Be sure to check out Jill's four books: That First Client, Loud Woman & Good-bye Inner Good Girl, Your First Year, and HeartCentered Marketing
Taking a trip? Contact Michelle Holland Conner '94 who is a licensed travel advisor at Travel Advisors Unlimited LLC in Dothan, AL.
Katie Cain Johnson '94, husband Steve and son Will stay busy in Alabama where Steve is the pastor at Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Piedmont, and Katie serves as the church pianist and pastor's wife. At home the Johnson's enjoy the company of two dogs, one cat, and one bunny.
It's a busy time for Kim Casey Melson '94 who serves as the Hardin County Administrator of Elections in TN.
In Macon, Jaqui Dravis Wilson '94 is a fully licensed professional counselor. She also is a registered play therapist and supervisor trained in EMDR.
Congratulations to Tamalyn Jackson Gutierrez '98, who is the development officer for Local Hope Guatemala, which is a 32-yearold non-profit. Hope Guatemala's 18 programs empower families
and communities to be healthy, educated, and self-reliant, in the remote and underserved Guatemalan Highlands.
1999 (25th Reunion)
Kudos to 1999 Reunion Chair Dana Karstensen and Co-Chair Odona Ezell Whiddon who planned for a fabulous silver anniversary celebration.
Lizabeth “Liza” K. Sanden '99 writes, “In November 2023, I accepted a position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Response and Restoration. I serve as the Scientific Support Coordinator and Regional Preparedness Coordinator for Alaska. My primary duty is to serve as a science advisor to the U.S. Coast Guard for pollution response cases, but I also support preparedness for and responses to other natural disasters in Alaska. This job also provides the opportunity to support emergencies throughout the country, especially in the Southeast. I am excited for the opportunities to see family and friends with more travel to the Lower 48.”
2000s
“I've just recently relocated to Berkeley, CA, to take on the role of Senior Assistant Dean of College Relations and Development at The University of California, Berkeley's College of Chemistry. After a year in the job, I've had the pleasure of traveling to Taiwan twice and finally made a visit to Chiang KaiShek memorial! I look forward to connecting with alumnae in the Bay Area,” shares Lauren E. Haney '03.
2004 (20th Reunion)
The 20th Reunion Class Committee members Katie Crozier-Theis (Chair), Mary Kathryn Borland, Juliana Cabrales, and Anna Cornelious Martin report “14 classmates in attendance, looking fabulous in Green, and #stillflapping!”
Sawyer Bethel '04 reports, “I'm currently working as a district social work director for a charter school district in Boston. Enjoying time with friends and family!”
Congratulations to Sarah L.
Shearouse '04 and Cory on the birth of a daughter, Louisa Catherine “Lula” DeBord, on September 25, 2023.
2010s
Congratulations to Rachel Watts Smith '10 who competed on The Greatest Baker competition against more than 60,000 other contestants. Rachel made it into the top 1% and all the way to the quarter finals! Her efforts led to over $2500 donated to The Andrew McDonough B+ (Be Positive) Foundation which assists families dealing with childhood cancer across the country.
Kathryn Vann Correia '12 and Keith have expanded their family since marrying in 2017. Son Keith “James” was born in April 2018, and they welcomed Karlie Paige Correia in February 2020 and Kelsey Ann Correia in November 2022.
Cynthia M. Smith '12 writes, “I started my doctoral program in spring 2024.”
2014 (10th Reunion)
Congratulations to Diep Nguyen '14, who received the 2024 Young Alumna Award from the Wesleyan College Alumnae Association (WCAA). (See Page 20)
Sophia H. Theodos '15, shares, “I married my husband Jack in May 2023. I am now halfway through my family medicine residency!”
Auburn Davidson Saulmon '17 writes, “My husband Will and I welcomed our first baby, Fisher Rainier, on July 31, 2023!”
Congratulations to Tara J. Reigel '19 who began pursuing the Air Command and Staff College program focusing on leadership development and military strategy in January 2024.
2020s
Congratulations to Elspeth “Ellie” M. Hansen '21 who became the Assistant Director of Residence Life at Wesleyan in July of 2023.
Laura E. Strickland '21 writes, “I moved to Chicago in January, and I would love to be put in contact with any alumnae in the area.”
2023 (1st Reunion)
Members of the Class of 2023 celebrated their FIRST reunion by serving as Candlelighters to seniors from the Class of 2023 during their induction into the Alumnae Association. Many thanks to Reunion Contact Savannah Smallwood '23 who spread the word to returning classmates. Now that is Sisterhood!
Shayla D. Knight '23 reports, “I am taking an internship opportunity from Beyond Academy next summer, and I am pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice from Keiser University.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
THANKS TO YOU
Since 1836, Wesleyan College has been blessed year after year by alumnae and friends who have an innate desire to make a difference. As investors in Wesleyan College and in her future, you have demonstrated a keen sense of pride in knowing your gifts, both large and small, make a remarkable difference in the lives of our students, women who are learning how to become tomorrow's leaders. Our accomplished students and alumnae are everyday examples of our continued success and of our far-reaching contributions to communities around the world. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your immense kindness and generosity this past year – and every year!
COUNCIL
$25,000 OR MORE
BATES '45
BIGHLEY '67
A. BOWEN, JR.
STANFORD M. BROWN
SYLVIA MAXWELL BROWN '63
BETSY MARTIN BUNTE '68 AND LOUIS E. BUNTE
THOMAS C. BURKE FOUNDATION
BETTY TURNER CORN '47
LETTIE PATE EVANS FOUNDATION
RONALD M. FINCH, JR.
GEORGIA INDEPENDENT COLLEGE ASSOCIATION, INC.
GEORGIA PINE LEVEL FOUNDATION
GEORGIA UNITED METHODIST COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
GEORGIA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION, INC.
JUDY WOODWARD GREGORY '63
PEGGY JONES HALL '83 AND KIRK HALL
THE HALL-KNOX FOUNDATION
SALINA METTS HARKLEROAD '71
GEORGIA W. AND ROBERT F. HATCHER
BETSY K. AND ROBERT F. HATCHER, JR.
MARY ANN POLLARD HOUGHLAND '60
SUZANNE WOODHAM JUDAY '69
JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION
ANNE AND ANDREW H. KNOX
DOROTHY * AND ROBERT E. KNOX, JR. *
RUTH A. KNOX '75
ELEANOR ADAMS SCOTT LANE '58 AND WILLIAM A. LANE BEQUEST
LINDA HARRIET LANE FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
VAN MCKIBBEN LANE
FAMILY TRUST
MARGARET T. MACCARY
MARGARET T. MACCARY GIFT FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
MARY MARGARET WOODWARD MCNEILL '60
DEBBIE STEVENSON MOSES '89
NAVICENT HEALTH FOUNDATION
ELIZABETH C. AND W. MICHAEL OGIE
W. MICHAEL & ELIZABETH C. OGIE FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY
STEPHANIE E. PARKER '81
ELIZABETH H. AND GEORGE F. PICKETT, JR.
WILLIAM I. H. AND LULA E. PITTS FOUNDATION
JAMES HYDE PORTER
CHARITABLE TRUST
MARY BELLE GARDNER QUESENBERRY '43 * BEQUEST
SPILLERS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION LLC
JUSTIN SPILLERS
MARJORIE PERKINS SQUIRES '51 AND WILLIAM H. SQUIRES
WILLIAM AND MARJORIE SQUIRES CHARITABLE GIFT FUND OF THE SCHWAB CHARITABLE FUND
SUELLE M. SWARTZ '67
MARY BETH BROWN SWEARINGEN '89
CAROL J. THURMAN '65 * BEQUEST
VIRGINIA RUSHING TRAPNELL '46 * BEQUEST
SUSAN WOODWARD WALKER '70 AND J. OTEY WALKER III
WATKINS CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION, INC.
GAIL THOMPSON WEBSTERPATTERSON '64
LETTIE PATE WHITEHEAD FOUNDATION, INC.
JAMES HYDE PORTER SOCIETY
$10,000 - $24,999
HANNAH L. ALLEN '80
CLARK AND RUBY BAKER FOUNDATION
JULIA G. AND CECIL A. BALDWIN, JR.
KATHLEEN P. BALLOU * BEQUEST
EVE L. BIRMINGHAM '68
PATRICIA GROGAN BORDERS '70 AND ALAN C. BORDERS
PRISCILLA GAUTIER BORNMANN '68
ANNE PURVIS CHURCH '51 * BEQUEST
ANNE P. CHURCH CHARITABLE ENDOWMENT FUND OF THE EAST TENNESSEE FOUNDATION
JANE PRICE CLAXTON '68 AND JOSEPH E. CLAXTON
THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
ROBERT J. EDENFIELD
TRUDIE PARKER FICKLING '65 AND WILLIAM A. FICKLING, JR.
JOAN SHAPIRO FOSTER '56
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY,
ATLANTA
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY, MACON
GEORGIA POWER FOUNDATION, INC.
GODDARD FOUNDATION
KATHLEEN HILL GODDARD '77 AND ROBERT C. GODDARD III
E. J. GRASSMANN TRUST
LURA HARRELL HAMMOCK '89
VIRGINIA ANN DANIEL HOLMAN '75 AND CALVIN M. HOLMAN
ELIZABETH ROGERS KELLY '72
JANET M. LAWRENCE '80 AND LINDSAY LEMASTERS LEWIS '80
JANICE A. MAYS '73
KATHERINE L. MCARTHUR AND WALDO E. FLOYD III
BEVERLY F. MITCHELL '68
LORI REESE PATTON '90 AND MACON PATTON
DEBRA PORTER
AMY V. AND TYLER J. RAULS, JR.
JILL JAYNE READ '62 * BEQUEST
CARLA RUIZ-NEY '08
YEHUDI B. SELF-MEDLIN '96
NANCY PETERSON SHAW '58
MARTHA KINSEY SKIRVEN '61 * BEQUEST
MARILYN A. VICKERS '67
KAY B. AND WAYNE J. WEST
FRANCES WOOD WILSON FOUNDATION, INC.
MARY JANE M. AND PAT M. WOODWARD
CYNTHIA D. WRIGHT '75
DOROTHY SMITH YANDLE '55 AND T. BRUCE YANDLE, JR.
'67
'73
COUNCIL OF INDEPENDENT COLLEGES
SUSAN LOVETTE DOBBYN '75
FIVE THIRTY FOUNDATION
JANET MEWBOURNE GENEST '65
SUSAN REYNOLDS GREGORY '70
MELVIN I. KRUGER
L. KRUGER
SALLY MOFFETT MCKENNA '75 AND PATRICK J. MCKENNA
MARGARET THOMPSON MONAHAN '67
MULBERRY STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ANDY H. NATIONS MILES ODDEN
STEPHEN A. REICHERT
JOYCE REDDICK SCHAFER '55
L.E. SCHWARTZ & SON, INC.
NINA SHEPPARD TERRELL '58
MELISSA LANE THOMAS '69
GEOVETTE E. WASHINGTON '89
KIRSTEN JOHANSEN WELCH '71
CANDLER CIRCLE
$2,500 - $4,999
BANK OF AMERICA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.
LORINDA LOU BELLER '64
BENEVITY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND OF THE AMERICAN ONLINE GIVING FOUNDATION
BARBARA A. BRYANT '67
DAPHNE MURPH CHAPMAN '67
GAYLE ATTAWAY FINDLAY '55
DIANA P. JEFFREYS '64
MARTHA V. JOHNSON '74
SUSAN TAYLOR KING '63
BETTY HOOD LYDICK '69
MAGNOLIA GARDEN CLUB
MARGARET M. MATHEWS '73
TOMMIE SUE MONTGOMERY '63
NEW VOCATIONS RACEHORSE ADOPTION PROGRAM
NUR-TAZ RAHMAN OBAID '10
MARY CATHERINE COLLINS O'KELLEY '72
PAMELA HENRY PATE '71 AND BARRY PATE
MARSHA FERNALD SICHVELAND '68
RUTH POWELL STORTS '93
MARY LANGEL STULTS '81
MARGARET MUNROE THROWER '35 * AND RANDOLPH W. THROWER * BEQUEST
JUDITH L. WHITAKER '75
ALLISON MCFARLAND WILCOX '80
CATHERINE BREWER
BENSON SOCIETY
$1,000 - $2,499
SUSAN BROWN ALLEN '17 (HON) AND WILLIAM H. ALLEN
DEBORAH WEDGWORTH ALTMAN '72
CARLA T. ASBELL DENNIS '87
VIRGINIA PRITCHARD ASHBY '76
ASHCOURT FAMILY FOUNDATION INC.
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING, LLC
ANNE SWETNAM BARTON '59
CINDY BICKMAN
SUSIE BLACK '75
MELODY AND CHRISTOPHER BLAKE
DIANNE CARSTARPHEN BOWMAN '69
SANDRA LUMPKIN BRYAN '66
LINDA GOULDING CAMP '70
JO AN JOHNSON CHEWNING '66
CAROLYN AND F. BRADFORD CLIFTON
WALTER CLIFTON FAMILY FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER ATLANTA, INC.
MARY N. COBB '50
VICTORIA BUXTON CORK '77
BETSY DASHER '69
LINDA HAYGOOD DAVIS '77
MANITA BOND DEAN '59
ROBIN DEASE
DELTA AIR LINES FOUNDATION
EMILY HARDMAN DICKEY '58
LISA HULLENDER FILKINS '96
AMY M. FLETCHER '06
LEESA AKINS FLORA '87 AND ROGER L. FLORA
EVELYN LEROY FORTSON '52 AND NORMAN J. FORTSON
GENA ROBERTS FRANKLIN '71 AND GEORGE W. FRANKLIN
CAROL BROOME FRAUNE '69
RUTH WHITE FRUIT '54
LAURA SHIPPEY GAFNEA '78
GWEN FUTRAL GALLAGHERHOWARD '88
JANE WARD GAULT '70
CAROL A. GOODLOE '75
SELMA MIDDLEBROOKS GORE '75
DAVID W. GRAVES
KAREN FAUGHT GRICE '74
JOAN B. AND WARREN GRIFFIN, JR.
NORMA D. HANLEY
EMILY SAWYER HART '56 AND HOWARD R. HART, JR.
OLIVIA LOPEZ HARTENSTEIN '65
PEGGY PARRISH HASTY '71
JULIETTE ADAMS HAWK '57
RITA MITCHELL HIGGINS '88 AND THOMAS F. HIGGINS
DAWN GOCHNOUR HOFFMAN '95 AND CHRISTOPHER HOFFMAN C. TERRY HOLLAND
HOUGHLAND FOUNDATION
MILLIE PARRISH HUDSON '75 AND W. QUINN HUDSON
ANN MCDONALD HURT '64
JANE W. AND JAMES L. JACKSON, JR.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
VIRGINIA CRAPPS JOHNSON '68
SUZANNE JONES KAHN '61
ROBERT H. KAHN, JR. FAMILY FOUNDATION
ANN KINNICK KEANE '69
ANDGELIA PROCTOR KELLY '68 *
SUSAN MANN KIMBRELL '72
NANCY C. KINZER
TIMOTHY E. KLOCKO
FRANCES Y. AND THOMAS F. KNIGHT, JR.
KNIGHT FAMILY FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
BETTY SWEET SIMMONS LADSON
VIRGINIA HARSHBARGER
LAMBACK '66 AND SAM P. LAMBACK, JR.
LAMBACK FAMILY DONOR ADVISED FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
DANA FLANDERS LASTER '86 AND SCOTT LASTER
MARTHA BELL LEWIS '60
MELANIE FILSON LEWIS '93
LUCILLE A. AND JOSEPH W. LITTLE
MARGARET STRICKLAND LOVEIN '75
KYM PREUSS LUKOSKY '90
DIANE A. LUMPKIN '63
BEVERLY HINELY MACMAHON '74 AND MARK R. MACMAHON
NAN G. MADDUX '75
HAZEL MIMS MATHIS '73
ANN HUNTER MCCANDLESS '55
SARAH MCCARTHY
BONNY DENTON MCGARITY '80
ELIZABETH HODGES
MCKEEVER '96
D T MCNEILL FOUNDATION
DONALD T. MCNEILL, JR.
J. PATRICK MEYER, JR.
MICROSOFT MATCHING GIFTS
MIDDLE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF ANNE MCGEE MORGANSTERN '58
SUSAN M. AND B. DOUGLAS MORTON III
LYNN BOSWELL MOSES '77
KAY WILLIAMS NEW '67
NEWBERN FOUNDATION
JUDITH MILLER NEWBERN '67
CHARLES L. OGBURN *
CHARLES L. OGBURN, JR.
OGBURN FAMILY FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
OLUWATOYOSI FATUNASE ONWUEMENE '03
HELEN BLACKMARR OUTLER '53
ERMINE M. OWENBY, JR. '61
VIRGINIA BARBER PERKINS '63
CHARLOTTE SMITH PFEIFFER '66
LYNDA BRINKS PFEIFFER '63
EMMALINE HADDLE PURSLEY '69
STEPHEN A. REICHERT FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
ANNE THORNTON REYNOLDS '73
HARRIET LASLIE REYNOLDS '62
ELIZABETH BRIDGE RISCH '74
KATHRYNE MEEKS SANDERS '65
JUDITH KUHN SCHLICHTER '64 AND
RALPH SCHLICHTER
HARRIET HOLLAND SCHMITT '62
JANE COURTENAY SHOCKLEY '56
KAREN CONNOR SHOCKLEY '63
BETTY WESTMORELAND SHUSTER '66
SIMMONS CHARITABLE TRUST FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
HARRIETTE JAMES SIMMONS '64
FELECIA PEARSON SMITH '74
JENNIFER L. AND DANA L. SMOAK
CATHY COXEY SNOW '71
MARY ANN BATEMAN SPELL '68
STARR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, LLC
BONNIE AND JOE STARR
KATHRYN AND MATTHEW T. STRICKLAND
KAY TROWBRIDGE THOMAS '69
JESSICA KENDRICK THOMAS '08
PATRENICE GUTHRIE THOMAS '96
JULIE ST. JOHN THORNTON '78
REBA THURMOND '57
SANDRA DAVIS TOWNLEY '75
ROBERT M. AND LILIAS BALDWIN TURNELL FOUNDATION
DEBORAH C. VAN DER LANDE
PAMELA JACKSON VEADER '74
LINDA BROWN WALKER '73
WALKER FAMILY CHARITABLE GIVING FUND OF THE RENAISSANCE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC.
GERALDINE R. WASHINGTON
KATE STICKLEY WATSON '60 AND HARRY MITCHELL WATSON, JR. *
WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE FUND OF THE THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
JANE POWERS WELDON '59
N. BENJAMIN WEST, JR.
SUSAN C. WHEELIS '95
MARY T. AND GEORGE B. WICKHAM
MARY T. WICKHAM GIFT FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
ALMONESE B. AND RALPH W. WILLIAMS
BETH MILSTEAD WILSON '96
VIRGINIA SUMERFORD YORK '60
FOUNTAIN CLUB
$500 - $999
ALUMNAE LISTED IN THE CLASS GIVING SECTION.
ALLEN GIFTING FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
SUZIE AND FLETCHER C. ANDERSON
AT&T FOUNDATION
JANE C. BARWICK
PATRICIA W. BASS
SUE BIBLER
LOYD H. BLACK *
HOLLY L. BOETTGER-TONG
MADELINE AND EDWARD S. BREWTON
JOANNA BUFFINGTON
JOANNA BUFFINGTON CHARITABLE FUND OF THE SCHWAB CHARITABLE FUND
WILLIAM A. BURNS
BRAD BUSBEE
JOHN N. CLEAVER
BECKY AND MUNROE COBEY
NANCY AND WILLIAM W. COBEY, JR.
ALICE ELIZABETH COBEY MEMORIAL CHARITABLE FUND OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION - CAROLINAS COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS FOUNDATION
CATHY COX
CATHY COX & MARK DEHLER
FAMILY FUND OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA, INC.
DREW DAVIDSON
DAVIS GIVING FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
JANET E. DAWSON
J. DAVID DECK
SVEND EGHOLM
ANN AND J. ELLSWORTH HALL III
CAROLINE HOFLAND
J.C. INSTURANCE AGENCY, INC.
ELIZABETH C. AND GERARD P. JOSEPH
BENJAMIN KANTOR
LIFESTYLES BY LEAH G., LLC
MARY PAT AND BENJAMIN MARTIN
LUCILE MATHEWS CHARITABLE FUND OF THE SCHWAB CHARITABLE FUND
BERT MAXWELL FURNITURE COMPANY
MARGERY B. AND BERTRAM MAXWELL III
MCNAIR, MCLEMORE, MIDDLEBROOKS & CO., LLC
SIDNEY E. MIDDLEBROOKS
MARY T. MONFORT FUND OF THE RENAISSANCE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION INC.
R. STEPHEN MORGAN
MORNING MUSIC CLUB
ANN AND JAMES L. MOSES
PAUL M. MURRELL
SUSAN M. AND G. ROBERT PARKERSON III
W. WARREN PLOWDEN, JR.
JOHN H. STEVENSON
JAMES W. TARMAN
H. R. TODD FUND OF THE GIVEWELL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
1836 CLUB
$250 - $499
ALUMNAE LISTED IN THE CLASS GIVING SECTION.
ANONYMOUS SUSAN M. BOND RAYMOND BOYD
COBEY
M. COLVIN
J. CUTLER, JR.
CARRIE COBEY MEMORIAL FUND OF THE SCHWAB CHARITABLE FUND BRIDGES W. SMITH, JR.
ERNST TAKACS
LORRAINE T. TAYLOR
SARAH M. TEIPEL
M. E. THOMPSON FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
JUDY TITTERTON
CONTRIBUTORS UP TO $250
ALUMNAE LISTED IN THE CLASS GIVING SECTION.
THERESA A. ABERCROMBIE
ALLGEN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
ALLGEN COMPASSION FUND OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION - ORLANDO ALMAND & CO., LLC
JAMES EADE ANDERSON
NANCY B. AND R. LANIER ANDERSON III
DENNIS L. APPLEBEE, JR.
HEATHER ASKEW
ATLANTA WESLEYAN ALUMNAE CLUB
SONYA AND WILLIAM L. AYEARS II
LIBBY BAILEY
KATHLEEN BANK
KELLEY AND COLE BARKS
CHARLENE C. AND WILLIAM W. BAXLEY, JR.
DEBORAH BEARD
BROOKE BENNETT-DAY
SETH BERKEBILE
KENVORIS BLAIR
PATRICIA M. BLAIR
MARY
DENNIE L. MCCRARY
MCCRARY FAMILY FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
MICHAEL C. MCCRAY
SUE S. MCCROBA
MICHAEL C. MCGHEE
MEGAN MCMAHON
GLORIA H. MCSWAIN
MIGHTYCAUSE FOUNDATION
BRANDI MILLER
SUZANNE M. MINARCINE
JUDY B. MOORE
EDITH L. MORRIS
DIANNE R. AND JAMES P. MORRISON
PEG K. AND JOHN H. MORRISON, JR.
JOHN H. MORRISON, JR. AND MARGARET KNOX MORRISON FUND OF THE CABARRUS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
PAMELA B. AND THERON E. MULLINAX, JR.
ELLEN AND LEE B. MURPHEY
RONNIE MUSGROVE
ANTHONY M. NARDOTTI
SHIRLEY M. AND THOMAS A. NOLES
CINDY AND G. CAMPBELL OETTER, JR.
WILLIAM W. OLIVER, JR.
REGINA B. OOST AND JOSEPH A. ISKRA, JR.
PARADOX FARMS
BEBE PARKER
TIMOTHY A. PARKER
GENE D. PAULSSON
SALLY H. AND DON PEAVY
T. LEONARD PERKINS JR.
CHANDLER PIKE
MARTHA PIRKLE
CLARE AND CHUCK POLLOCK
ALAHNA L. PURYEAR
W. ALAN RANDOLPH
BARRY RHOADES
CHERYL J. RHOADES
KATHLEEN M. RICHARDSON
ALEX W. AND ANDREW M. ROBERTS
ELIZABETH A. AND J. SAM ROBINSON, JR.
VERNON L. ROGERS, JR.
BARBARA AND JAMES D. ROWAN
ALAIN R. SAPPI
SETH D. SELKE
RAPHAEL B. SEMMES
MARGUERITE H. AND ELLIOTT H. SISSON, JR.
BROWN AND GROOVER, INC. MELISSA LYNN SMITH
P. SMOTHERMAN
SMYTH VIRGINIA M. SOLOMON SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
KARA SOWELL SPRINGHEAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ST. PETERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF FITZGERALD
M. STANDRIDGE TAYLOR BONNIE STARR INTERIORS
DIANA M. AND RICHARD C. STOCKHAUSEN
LAURA STRAUSBERG
KAYLA STROUD
HOLLY J. STROUT
DEONNA S. TANNER MICHAEL HARRISON TARR SANDRA S. AND JAMES E. THARPE
THEO G. THEVAOS
THEVAOS FAMILY FUND OF THE FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND
CHERYL Y. THOMAS CHARLES THOMPSON JOHN G. THOMPSON SHELLEY AND ANDREW W. TICE, JR.
STELLA TSAI AND KENNETH DEATON, JR.
JESSICA L. TUCKER
UK ONLINE GIVING FOUNDATION
ELIZABETH A. AND DAVID J. ULFIK
BRANDI T. VORHEES
SHERRY V. WARD
CUYLER WARNOCK
DONNA WEBB
GAIL E. WEBSTER
WESLEYAN COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
WESTTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ANDREW WHEELER
TOM B. WIGHT
HOWARD WILCOX JULIE WILKERSON
ANDREA G. AND LAWRENCE B.
M. WISKER
MATCHING GIFT
COMPANIES
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THESE COMPANIES AND CORPORATE FOUNDATIONS WHO MATCHED THEIR EMPLOYEES' GIFTS TO WESLEYAN DURING THIS LAST FISCAL YEAR.
AT&T FOUNDATION
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING, LLC
BANK OF AMERICA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.
BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON
THE COCA-COLA FOUNDATION
DELTA AIR LINES FOUNDATION
GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
HCA FLORIDA PALMS WEST HOSPITAL
HCA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
MICROSOFT MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAM
THE BLACKBAUD GIVING FUND BY YOURCAUSE
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY FOUNDATION
GIFTS IN KIND
MANY THANKS TO ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED INKIND GIFTS OR SERVICES TO WESLEYAN IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.
HEATHER ASKEW SUE BIBLER
CINDY BICKMAN
FRANKLIN H. DAVIDSON
CAROLINE HOFLAND
TOMMIE SUE MONTGOMERY '63
NEW VOCATIONS RACEHORSE ADOPTION PROGRAM
PARADOX FARMS
STEPHEN A. REICHERT BEQUESTS
WESLEYAN COLLEGE IS GRATEFUL FOR THESE LEGACIES WE RECEIVED FROM DONORS DURING THE PAST YEAR.
KATHLEEN P. BALLOU
ANNE PURVIS CHURCH '51
ELEANOR ADAMS SCOTT LANE '58 AND WILLIAM A. LANE
MARY BELLE GARDNER QUESENBERRY '43
JILL JAYNE READ '62
MARTHA KINSEY SKIRVEN '61
MARGARET MUNROE THROWER '35 AND RANDOLPH W. THROWER
CAROL J. THURMAN '65
VIRGINIA RUSHING TRAPNELL '46
FOREVER FIRST SOCIETY
ALEXIS XIDES BIGHLEY '67
LOYD H. BLACK, JR. *
PRISCILLA GAUTIER BORNMANN '68
KATHY A. BRADLEY '78
BEULAH LASLIE BRINSON BIRD '58
BARBARA A. BRYANT '67
PATRICIA STERLING BRZEZINSKI '84
BETSY MARTIN BUNTE '68 AND LOUIS E. BUNTE
MARGARET AND MARK S. BURGESSPORTER
CYNTHIA COSTELLO BUSBEE '92
CAROL HINDMAN BUTLER '78
JANE JOHNSON BUTLER '65
JO AN JOHNSON CHEWNING '66
ANNE PURVIS CHURCH '51 *
ASHLEY CHILDERS CLEAVER '89
SUSAN A. COBLEIGH '68
NANNETTE COCO '73 AND KARLYN A. STURMER '75
FRANCES OEHMIG COLLINS '47
BARBARA ROLAND COLWELL '70
ANNE M. CORDEIRO '92
GLORIA BOYETTE CORKER '60
BETTY TURNER CORN '47
PAMELA DAVIS CORVELLI '98
LAURA RUTH NORRIS CRAPPS '77 *
PEGGY CHESNUTT DANIEL '91
MILDRED TAYLOR DENNIS '57
EMILY HARDMAN DICKEY '58
ELOISE MAXWELL DOTY '68
JO DUKE '84
BETH MASON DUNCAN '61
ANN LEE ALLEY EARNSHAW '59
ROBERT J. EDENFIELD
MILDRED FINCHER EFLAND '42
ANNETTA ZIMMERMAN ELLIOTT '67
GLENNDA KINGRY ELLIOTT '65
BEE SECKINGER EPLEY '58
MORGAN L. FELTS '07
TRUDIE PARKER FICKLING '65
RONALD M. FINCH, JR.
ELEANOR LASLIE GRIFFIN '60
CHARLOTTE JOLLY HALE '62 AND FLOYD C. HALE
MARY PIERPONT RILEY HALL '57
LAURA LOWE HARMON '72 AND BARRIE H. HARMON III
ROBYN HARMON '77
CAROL ANNE ROLLINS HARRISON '62
PAMELA LOHR HENDRIX '88
CYNTHIA L. HERSHEY '91
CAROL INMAN HEYWARD '60
NANCY HILL-BATES '61
BETTY SMITH HIPPS '68
SALLY BLAKE HODO '69
C. TERRY HOLLAND
SUSAN L. HOLLOWAY '82
VIRGINIA ANN DANIEL HOLMAN '75 AND CALVIN M. HOLMAN
WANDA SALTMARSH HOPKINS '70
JULIE HOUSTON TRIESTE '98
ANNE SCARBOROUGH HUGHES '78
MOLLIE ELIZABETH HUGHES '06
ANITA STERN ISAAC '76
JESSICA L. JARMAN '99
JANET FRIBERG JARRETT '78
PARRISH SMOTHERMAN JENKINS '06
SUZANNE MCNATT JOHNSON '60
CATHERINE GIBBONS JOST '70
DANA S. KARSTENSEN 1999
ELIZABETH ROGERS KELLY '72
CAROL BACON KELSO '73
JULIA STILLWELL KETCHAM '58
KARI GOELLNER KITCHENS '91
DOROTHY M. * AND ROBERT E. KNOX, JR. *
RUTH A. KNOX '75
ABBIE SMOAK LACIENSKI '01
NANCY L. LAMB '95
ELEANOR ADAMS SCOTT LANE '58 * AND WILLIAM A. LANE *
KAYRON MCMINN LASKA '87 (HON) AND JOHN LASKA
JANET M. LAWRENCE '80 AND LINDSAY LEMASTERS LEWIS '80
WILLIAM M. MATTHEWS
HARRIETT E. MAYO '71
CAROLYN MARTIN MCCREA '65
MICHELE L. MCDUFFIE '99
RITA PARKER MCGARITY '75
SALLY MOFFETT MCKENNA '75
BARBARA BIRD MCLENDON '60
MARY MARGARET WOODWARD MCNEILL '60
SALLY GRIFFIE MEHALKO '67
WENDE SANDERSON MEYER VON BREMEN '80
SALLY EISEN MILLER '65
BEVERLY F. MITCHELL '68
MARY AINSWORTH MITCHELL '47
TOMMIE SUE MONTGOMERY '63
ELIZABETH GIBBONS MONTIS '66
MARY JO MOODY '64
CARON GRIFFIN MORGAN '73
ANNE MCGEE MORGANSTERN '58
DEBORAH STEVENSON MOSES '89
LEE B. MURPHEY
GAIL FULTON MURPHY '68
SHERRY V. NEAL '96
LINDA CHANCE NEWIGER '72
DIANE BRIDGES NIX '81
MARY CATHERINE COLLINS O'KELLEY '72
SARA LEE LANE OGILVIE '56
VIDAL E. OLIVARES '02
PATRICIA DAVIS OLIVER '66 AND WILLIAM W. OLIVER, JR.
CACIA MORRIS ORSER '70
ERMINE M. OWENBY, JR. '61
JOYCE PARIS '54
STEPHANIE E. PARKER '81
CARRIE ANNE PARKS-KIRBY '76
HEATHER PEEBLES-BRADLEY '90
LINDA VOGEL PFLEGER '61
LORETTA L. PINKSTON-POPE '84
MARY BELLE GARDNER QUESENBERRY '43 *
HARRIET LASLIE REYNOLDS '62
SHIRLEY WISE RICHARDSON '63
GAYLE LANGSTON RICKLEFS '61
BRYNDIS W. ROBERTS '78
MARTHA KINSEY SKIRVEN '61 *
MELISSA SPRADLEY SLAUGHTER '01
AMY-CHRISTINE VINSON SMITH '99
JOYCE HUSSEY SMITH '53
BETSY PALMER SMITH '60
ROWENA DAWSON SMITH '63
SARAH TURNBULL SNOW '74 AND CLAUDE H. SNOW, JR.
MARJORIE PERKINS SQUIRES '51 AND WILLIAM H. SQUIRES
PRESTON STEVENS, JR.
WILLARD E. SUMMERS, JR.
ANN SCOTT TERRY '70
MARTHA CLOWER THOMAS '64
MARY E. THOMPSON '79
MARGARET MUNROE THROWER '35 * AND RANDOLPH W. THROWER *
CAROL J. THURMAN '65 *
EILEEN VICKERY THURMOND '72
VIRGINIA RUSHING TRAPNELL '46 *
KATHRYN SMITH VINSON '99
MARIANNA PATTON WALKER '79 AND CARROLL A. WALKER
CHARLOTTE LITTLE WALKER '49
SUSAN WOODWARD WALKER '70
GEOVETTE E. WASHINGTON '89
KATHERINE STICKLEY WATSON '60 AND H. MITCHELL WATSON, JR. *
GAIL THOMPSON WEBSTERPATTERSON '64
SUSAN C. WHEELIS '95
JUDITH L. WHITAKER '75
DESIRA PALMER WILLIAMS '17
BETH MILSTEAD WILSON '96
LINDA J. WITHROW '63
JANET EIDSON WOODS '75
SANDRA GRIST WOODS '66
MARTHA JEAN LASLIE WOODWARD '54 *
CYNTHIA D. WRIGHT '75
DOROTHY SMITH YANDLE '55 AND T. BRUCE YANDLE, JR.
GEORGIANA HSUEH YANG '49
JULIA MUNROE WOODWARD LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETY
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
WILLIAM I. H. AND LULA E. PITTS FOUNDATION
MARGARET MUNROE THROWER '35 * AND RANDOLPH W. THROWER *
LETTIE PATE WHITEHEAD FOUNDATION, INC.
JULIA MUNROE WOODWARD '34 *
$2,500,000 - $4,999,999
ANONYMOUS
SARAH TURNER BUTLER '41 * AND CLARENCE C. BUTLER *
MARY GRAY MUNROE COBEY '34 * AND WILLIAM W. COBEY *
ANNA PERSONS HILL '23 *
DOROTHY M. * AND ROBERT E. KNOX, JR. *
RUTH A. KNOX '75
ELEANOR ADAMS SCOTT LANE '58 * AND WILLIAM A. LANE *
ELEANOR MCDONALD STORZA '29 *
ROBERT W. WOODRUFF FOUNDATION
$1,000,000 - $2,499,999
CLARA CARTER ACREE '19 * AND MAURICE M. ACREE *
NANCY R. * AND MAURICE M. ACREE, JR. *
BELOCO FOUNDATION, INC.
ALEXIS XIDES BIGHLEY '67 AND JOHN A. BIGHLEY *
STANFORD M. BROWN
MARY LOCKWOOD CURRY '47 *
ARLINE ATKINS FINCH '56 * AND RONALD M. FINCH, JR.
GAYLE ATTAWAY FINDLAY '55 AND CUYLER W. FINDLAY *
GEORGIA INDEPENDENT COLLEGE ASSOCIATION, INC.
GOIZUETA FOUNDATION
NANCY C. PANOZ '03 (HON) AND DONALD PANOZ *
JAMES HYDE PORTER CHARITABLE TRUST
RUTH A. AND MARVIN R. SCHUSTER *
MARJORIE PERKINS SQUIRES '51 AND WILLIAM H. SQUIRES
MARGARET TAYLOR TARVER '37 *
MAMIE ANNETTE GARDNER TAYLOR '38 *
ANNIE LOU HARDY WEBER '13 *
MILDRED BOOTHE WEST '32 *
$500,000 - $999,999
HANNAH L. ALLEN '80
WILLIAM H. ANDERSON II
SYLVIA MAXWELL BROWN '63
CANDY * AND MALCOLM S. BURGESS, JR.
FULLER E. CALLAWAY TRUST
MARGARET K. * AND ROBERT J. EDENFIELD
GLENNDA KINGRY ELLIOTT '65 AND A.V. ELLIOTT, JR. *
FICKLING FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.
DOROTHY ROYAL GOWER '34 *
JUDY WOODWARD GREGORY '63
THE HALL-KNOX FOUNDATION
CAROL INMAN HEYWARD '60 AND ANDREW H. HEYWARD III *
MARY ANN POLLARD
HOUGHLAND '60
ELIZABETH IRBY JOLLEY * AND FLEMING L. JOLLEY *
ANNIE ANDERSON JONES '48 * AND FRANK C. JONES *
JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION
ARNELL LEWIS LAND '33 *
DOROTHY V. AND N. LOGAN LEWIS FOUNDATION, INC.
MARGARET T. MACCARY
ELSIE LOWDEN MAXWELL
PICKETT, JR.
CHARLES E. ROBERTS, JR. *
BETTY JEAN CONE SNOOKS '45 * AND BARTOW R. SNOOKS, JR. *
MARTHA GROOVER STAPLES '49 * AND JAMES C. STAPLES *
REGINALD R. TRICE *
GAIL THOMPSON WEBSTERPATTERSON '64
WESLEYAN COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
JULIA B. WILLET * FRANCES WOOD WILSON FOUNDATION, INC.
$250,000 - $499,999
NELLIE * AND WILLIS I. ALLEN * ARAMARK CORPORATION
ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT FOUNDATION
ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT MEDICAL SYSTEM
CLARK AND RUBY BAKER FOUNDATION
R.A. BOWEN TRUST
LOIS * AND ROBERT A. BOWEN, JR.
SALLIE T. * AND ISAAC H. BOYETTE *
PATRICIA STEWART BURGESS FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.
THOMAS C. BURKE FOUNDATION
JANE JOHNSON BUTLER '65 AND G. MARSHALL BUTLER
ANNETTE RICHARDSON CHAPPELL '29 *
MARTHA WORSHAM CLANCE '47 *
NEVA JANE LANGLEY FICKLING '55 *
WILLIAM A. FICKLING, JR.
JOAN SHAPIRO FOSTER '56
JOHN AND MARY FRANKLIN FOUNDATION, INC.
COURTNEY KNIGHT GAINES '51 *
COURTNEY KNIGHT GAINES FOUNDATION, INC.
JUNE CASON MAYER '54 * KATHERINE JOHN MURPHY FOUNDATION
NANCY STEPHENSON POWELL '58 * MARY BELLE GARDNER QUESENBERRY '43 *
AMY V. AND TYLER J. RAULS, JR. HAZEL E. ROGERS *
SYDNEY H. AND T. ALFRED SAMS, JR.
NINFA M. AND JAMES SAUNDERS
NANCY PETERSON SHAW '58
PAUL F. THIELE * TULL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.
D.A. TURNER CHARITABLE TRUST SUE MARIE THOMPSON TURNER '50 * AND WILLIAM B. TURNER * SUSAN WOODWARD WALKER '70 AND J. OTEY WALKER III
DELMA FINDLAY WATSON '52 * KATE STICKLEY WATSON '60 AND H. MITCHELL WATSON, JR.*
ODESSA LOUISE MCKENNEY WINBIGLER '17 *
$2,500
$56,190.95 PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL VIRGINIA RUSHING TRAPNELL * BEQUEST ✮
4.76%
WESLEYAN FUND: $50,784.00
TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $200,784.00
PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL
BETTY TURNER CORN ✮❤ 1948
12.50% TOTAL WESLEYAN FUND: $750.00 TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $750.00
MOBLEY DICKEY
6.67%
WESLEYAN FUND: $22,283.24
MEEKS SANDERS ✮❤
CLUB
SHARON HARP CAMPBELL ✮❤
MARTIN MCCREA ✮❤ 1836 CLUB
MARGARET SHOEMAKER GORDON ✮❤
Wesleyan Star
Established in 2014 to recognize those alumnae just beginning to support Wesleyan in consecutive years, the Wesleyan Star honors alumnae who have given for two, three, or four consecutive years. Special recognition of Wesleyan Stars includes a ✮ following their names in the alumnae Class Giving section and special recognition during Alumnae Weekend.
Love X 5
For the past 29 years, the Love X 5 program has been recognizing our faithful alumnae who have made a gift to Wesleyan for five or more consecutive years. In recognition of their loyalty to Wesleyan, these faithful donors are honored with a ❤ following their names in the alumnae Class Giving section. When attending Alumnae Weekend, Love X 5 faithful are also presented with a special pin honoring their continued support of their alma mater.
Winner's Circle
A 2014 addition to our recognition of consecutive-year donors includes the Winner's Circle. These faithful alumnae have supported Wesleyan with gifts for ten to nineteen consecutive years. To recognize this loyalty, Winner's Circle faithful are honored with a following their name in the alumnae Class Giving section, as well as special recognition during Alumnae Weekend.
Stanback Society
Established in 2001, the Stanback Society recognizes alumnae who have given to Wesleyan for twenty or more consecutive years. These faithful donors are honored with a following their names in the alumnae Class Giving Section. The Stanback Society is named in honor of Florence Elizabeth Cawthon Stanback who contributed to the Annual Fund faithfully, giving every year from her graduation in 1925 until her death in 2002.
Forever First Society
Because we are forever grateful for those who remember Wesleyan with a planned gift, these alumnae are now recognized in the Class Giving section. The names of current Society members will appear in bold typeface and those from whom we have received a legacy gift will appear in italics.
MARION SPENCER BLUESTONE
DAVIS TOWNLEY ✮❤ FOUNTAIN CLUB
BONNIE HUNTER HUNT ✮❤ 1836 CLUB
LISA SHERMAN HAMMOND ✮❤
BETH SULLINS HUGHES ✮❤ CONTRIBUTORS
KAY HICKMAN BEASLEY
JILL AMOS ✮❤ CONTRIBUTORS
LISA MORGAN EDWARDS ✮❤
MARGARET H. MCKNIGHT ✮
LYNN LASSETER PRATER ✮
1988
PARTICIPATION: 13.11%
TOTAL WESLEYAN FUND: $3,252.00
GWEN FUTRAL GALLAGHER-HOWARD ✮❤
RITA MITCHELL HIGGINS ✮❤ 1836 CLUB
ANA N. FERNANDEZ ✮❤
BETH A. HERNDON ✮❤
LORIE PATTERSON LANIER ✮ CONTRIBUTORS
LINDA GAY EUBANKS ✮
KAREN MELTON SOELTZ ✮❤
KATHRYN
CONTRIBUTORS
JYWANYA SMITH DILLINGER ✮❤
JESSICA A. DREXLER
BRANDY MORRIS KIRKWOOD ✮❤
LATONYA S. PARKER ✮❤ EMILY HELMICK PARR ✮❤
2002
10.64%
WESLEYAN FUND: $4,040.00
ALL GIFTS: $4,040.00
BENSON SOCIETY
NATALIE PUCKETT EVANS ✮❤
FOUNTAIN CLUB SARAH
ANNUAL REPORT
CONTRIBUTORS
JAYME L. HITCHCOCK ✮❤ 2018 PARTICIPATION: 0.83% TOTAL WESLEYAN FUND: $440.00 TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $440.00 CONTRIBUTORS
MARY ANN STEINBACH HARPER ✮❤ 2019
2.84%
WESLEYAN FUND: $265.00 TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $265.00 CONTRIBUTORS
LAURA HARNESS FELTMAN ✮
TARA J. REIGEL
STACEY M. RICE
CHELSEA E. ROBBINS ✮
PARTICIPATION: 0.00%
WESLEYAN FUND: $0.00
ALL GIFTS: $0.00 2021 PARTICIPATION: 1.80%
WESLEYAN FUND: $220.00
TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $280.00 CONTRIBUTORS
DAVID C. GOWAN
ELSPETH M. HANSEN ✮
0.00%
WESLEYAN FUND: $0.00
ALL GIFTS: $0.00 2023
PARTICIPATION: 0.00% TOTAL WESLEYAN FUND: $0.00
TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $0.00
2024
PARTICIPATION: 0.00% TOTAL WESLEYAN FUND: $0.00
TOTAL ALL GIFTS: $0.00
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Alexis Bighley '67
Meaghan Blight
Charlotte Bowen Bogle
Priscilla G. Bornmann '68
Stanford Brown
Elizabeth Mertin Bunte '68
J. Cannon Carr Jr.
Jane Claxton '68
Verda M. Colvin
Bishop Robin Dease
Samy Fletcher '06
Waldo E. Floyd III
Robyn Gobin '06
Robert F. Hatcher Jr.
Ruth A. Knox '75
Kara J. Kostiuk
Janice Mays '73
Beverly F. Mitchell '68
Debbie Moses '89
Wilds M. Ogie
Amy V. Rauls
Dr. Adam Roberts
Bryndis W. Roberts '78
Leah G. Roberts '08
Carla Ruiz-Ney '08
Yehudi B. Self-Medlin '96
Felecia Pearson Smith '74
Mary Beth B. Swearingen '89
Jessica Kendrick Thomas '08
Susan W. Walker '70
Jennifer Stiles Williams '93
Cynthia D. Wright '75
EMERITI TRUSTEES
Hannah L. Allen '80
Julia Baldwin
Betty T. Corn '47
Cathy Cox
Rob Edenfield
Gayle Findlay '55
Gena R. Franklin '71
Judy Gregory '63
Gene A. Hoots
Dennie L. McCrary
Margaret T. MacCary
Andrew H. Nations
Sam A. Nunn Jr.
William W. Oliver Jr.
Lynda Pfeiffer '63
Thomas Alfred Sams Jr.
Kay B. West
WESLEYAN COLLEGE ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF MANAGERS
Mary Kathryn Borland '04
Juliana S. Cabrales '04
Robyn Grimes Gobin '06
Janet M. Lawrence '80
Rut Leon-Kulak '17
Anna Cornelious Martin '04
Vidal E. Olivares '02
Leah G. Roberts '08
Yehudi B. Self-Medlin '96
Jas'min Shy-Coates '06
Cathy Coxey Snow '71
Doneshia P. Starling '06
Jane Manley Wheeless '67
Susan C. Wheelis '95
Judith L. Whitaker '75
Beth Milstead Wilson '96
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Susan Allen (478) 757-5156 sallen@wesleyancollege.edu
